Championships aren’t won during the offseason, but adding the right pieces can help.
The Atlanta Dream sent shockwaves through WNBA circles by trading for Angel Reese and her acquisition wasn’t the only splash of action-packed offseason. The Las Vegas Aces added Chennedy Carter and multiple teams doled out million-dollar contracts to newcomers.
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Who are the best offseason acquisitions for each team? USA TODAY breaks it all down in this week’s WNBA power rankings.
The Minnesota Lynx take over the top spot as multiple teams move up and down the rankings. The Connecticut Sun continue to sit at No. 15 in USA TODAY Sports power rankings, released every Tuesday this season.
Note: All records and stats are through games played on Monday, June 1.
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart’s career has been defined by dominant performances and championships, beginning with her standout run at UConn.
See the moments that trace Stewart’s journey from college success to her impact in the WNBA.
Above, Most Outstanding Player winner Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies is interviewed after defeating the Louisville Cardinals during the 2013 NCAA Women’s Final Four Championship at New Orleans Arena on April 9, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart’s career has been defined by dominant performances and championships, beginning with her standout run at UConn.
See the moments that trace Stewart’s journey from college success to her impact in the WNBA.
Above, Most Outstanding Player winner Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies is interviewed after defeating the Louisville Cardinals during the 2013 NCAA Women’s Final Four Championship at New Orleans Arena on April 9, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies cuts down the net after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 79 to 58 in the NCAA Women’s Final Four Championship at Bridgestone Arena on April 8, 2014, in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies grabs a rebound against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the NCAA Women’s Final Four National Championship at Amalie Arena on April 7, 2015, in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart and Moriah Jefferson of the Connecticut Huskies celebrate on stage after defeating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 63-53 during the NCAA Women’s Final Four National Championship at Amalie Arena on April 7, 2015, in Tampa, Florida.
(Mike Carlson, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies shoots against Jamie Weisner of the Oregon State Beavers in the fourth quarter during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Head coach Geno Auriemma of the Connecticut Huskies and Breanna Stewart celebrate their 80-51 win over the Oregon State Beavers during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies tips-off against Briana Day #50 of the Syracuse Orange at the start of the first quarter during the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Joe Robbins, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
The Connecticut Huskies celebrate with the trophy following their 82-51 victory over the Syracuse Orange to win the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies reacts during the trophy presentation after they defeated Syracuse Orange to win the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Connecticut won 82-51.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart and Moriah Jefferson of the Connecticut Huskies are honored by teammate Morgan Tuck of the Connecticut Huskies as head coach Geno Auriemma looks on after their 82-51 victory over the Syracuse Orange to win the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates with a sword after their 82-51 victory over the Syracuse Orange to win the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 5, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Gold medallists USA’s guard Lindsay Whalen, USA’s guard Sue Bird, USA’s forward Seimone Augustus, USA’s forward Maya Moore, USA’s power forward Breanna Stewart, USA’s small forward Angel Mccoughtry, USA’s forward Tamika Catchings, USA’s small forward Elena Delle Donne, USA’s guard Diana Taurasi, USA’s centre Sylvia Fowles, USA’s centre Tina Charles and USA’s centre Brittney Griner pose after the final of the Women’s basketball competition at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 20, 2016, during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
(EMMANUEL DUNAND, AFP via Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm holds up the trophy after the Storm defeated the Washington Mystics 98-82 to win the WNBA Finals at EagleBank Arena on September 12, 2018, in Fairfax, Virginia.
(Rob Carr, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm looks on during the third quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 15, 2021, in Everett, Washington.
(Abbie Parr, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of Team United States prepares to drive to the basket against Team Japan during the first half of the Women’s Basketball final game on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on August 08, 2021, in Saitama, Japan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of Team United States bites her gold medal during the Women’s Basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on August 08, 2021, in Saitama, Japan.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm handles the ball in the first half ahead of Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on July 07, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart #30 of Team Stewart handles the ball against Team Wilson during the 2022 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at the Wintrust Arena on July 10, 2022, in Chicago, Illinois.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird of the Seattle Storm react after a basket against the Minnesota Lynx during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on August 03, 2022, in Seattle, Washington.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm shoots against the Minnesota Lynx during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on August 03, 2022, in Seattle, Washington.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm is fouled by Aerial Powers of the Minnesota Lynx in the fourth quarter of the game at Target Center on August 12, 2022, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Storm defeated the Lynx 96-69.
(David Berding, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm passes against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter in Game Four of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals at Climate Pledge Arena on September 06, 2022, in Seattle, Washington.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Shakira Austin, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, A’Ja Wilson of the United States and Sabrina Ionescu of the United States celebrates Team USA winning the Gold Medal during the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Final match between USA and China at Sydney Superdome, on October 01, 2022, in Sydney, Australia.
(Kelly Defina, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of Team Stewart walks out during player introductions prior to the 2023 WNBA All-Star game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on July 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Jamie Squire, Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert presents the championship trophy to Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty after the team’s 83-62 victory over the Las Vegas Aces in the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup Championship game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 15, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty wait for a Liberty player to shoot a free throw in the second quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 15, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Liberty defeated the Aces 90-82.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of Team USA drives to the rim over Angel Reese #5 of Team WNBA in the fourth quarter during the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Alex Slitz, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of Team United States goes up for a basket during a Women’s basketball Group Phase – Group C game between the United States and Germany on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Pierre Mauroy on August 04, 2024, in Lille, France.
(Pool, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of Team United States celebrates with the American flag after her team’s victory against Team France during the Women’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
(Gregory Shamus, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Gold medalists Chelsea Gray, Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier of Team United States pose for a photo on the podium during the Women’s basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Gold medalists Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Alyssa Thomas, A’Ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier and Diana Taurasi of Team United States pose for a photo on the podium during the Women’s basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024, in Paris, France.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty reacts during the first half against the Minnesota Lynx during Game One of the WNBA Finals at the Barclays Center on October 10, 2024, in New York City.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty celebrates with the WNBA Championship Trophy after winning Game Five of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024, in New York City.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Marta Xargay Casademont celebrates with her wife, Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty, after Game Five of the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx 67-62 in overtime to win the championship.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty reacts during a press conference after winning Game Five of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024, in New York City.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
New York Liberty Forward Breanna Stewart celebrates the team winning the WNBA championship during their parade on October 24, 2024, in New York City. Fans lined the streets north along Broadway to City Hall through what’s known as the “Canyon of Heroes” to celebrate the Liberty’s first WNBA championship after a 67-62 overtime victory on Sunday over the Minnesota Lynx. The Liberty were the top seed with a league-best 32-8 record.
(Michael M. Santiago, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty makes a layup during the first half of the WNBA preseason game against the Toyota Antelopes at Matthew Knight Arena on May 12, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon.
(Ali Gradischer, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty celebrates after making a basket with Natasha Cloud #9 and Breanna Stewart against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center on May 17, 2025, in New York City. New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces 92-78.
(Mike Stobe, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty and Aliyah Boston of the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 24, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever has her shot blocked by Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 24, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty directs her teammates in the second half against the Golden State Valkyries at Barclays Center on May 29, 2025, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The New York Liberty defeated the Golden State Valkyries 82-77.
(Elsa, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty shoots the ball against the Washington Mystics during the first half at Carefirst Arena on June 5, 2025, in Washington, DC.
(Patrick Smith, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty shoots a basket while Natasha Howard of the Indiana Fever defends during the first half at Barclays Center on July 16, 2025, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty defends against A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during the first half of the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Mist reacts against the Lunar Owls during the second half of the Unrivaled 2026 game at Sephora Arena on January 17, 2026, in Medley, Florida.
(Tomas Diniz Santos, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Mist passes the ball against the Vinyl during the third quarter of the Unrivaled 2026 game at Sephora Arena on February 27, 2026, in Medley, Florida.
(Leonardo Fernandez, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Breanna Stewart of the Mist receives the Championship MVP award after defeating the Phantom during Unrivaled 2026 Championship game at Sephora Arena on March 4, 2026, in Medley, Florida.
(Leonardo Fernandez, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Diamond Miller of the Connecticut Sun drives against Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty during the second quarter of the season opener against the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center on May 08, 2026, in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.
(Ishika Samant, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart’s basketball career from college to the WNBA
Forward Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty reacts after a basket in the second half against the Portland Fire at Moda Center on May 14, 2026, in Portland, Oregon.
(Ali Gradischer, Getty Images)1. Minnesota Lynx (7-2)Previous rank: 5 (⬆4)
Top acquisition: F Natasha Howard
Without Napheesa Collier, who continues to rehab from ankle surgery, Howard has stepped in and become the team’s leading scorer (17.3 ppg). Minnesota is riding a four-game win streak, and during that same period, Howard has put up two 20-point performances, including 26 points on 73.3% shooting, 14 rebounds and five assists on May 23 against the Chicago Sky.
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2. Atlanta Dream (5-2)Previous rank: 2 (⬌)
Top acquisition: F Angel Reese
Reese’s integration into the Dream’s system has been pretty seamless. The Dream forward is second in the WNBA in rebounds per game (11.0) and has four double-doubles this season. She also recently reached 900 rebounds in 71 games, the fastest in WNBA history.
Previous rank: 6 (⬆3)
Top acquisition: F Jessica Shepard
Shepard is currently averaging career highs in points (13.0), rebounds (11.4) and assists (6.5) per game. She leads the league in rebounds per game and has already notched two triple-doubles this season, including a sensational 22 points on 61.5% from the floor, 20 rebounds and 10 assists against Las Vegas to close out May
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4. Las Vegas Aces (5-3)Previous rank: 1 (⬇3)
Top acquisition: G Chennedy Carter
Perhaps no one has a bigger jumpstart on the early Sixth Player of the Year race than Carter, who has four 20-point games off the bench for the Aces. She is averaging 17.5 points per game, firmly second in scoring for the Aces behind A’ja Wilson.
Previous rank: 4 (⬇1)
Top acquisition: F Gabby Williams
Williams is a connector on both ends of the floor, and she’s more than proven it in her first season with the Valkyries. Guard Veronica Burton and Williams are evolving into a nice one-two punch. In her last three games, Williams is averaging 18 points per matchup, 4.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.5 steals.
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Previous rank: 10 (⬆4)
Top acquisition: G Carla Leite
Leite has shown zero fear and delivered in big moments. Whether it’s the dagger shot over the New York Liberty or driving directly to the cup against Caitlin Clark, Leite is ready for the challenge. After spending a season in Golden State, Leite has found her footing with Portland while averaging career-best numbers in points (15.9), assists (5.0) and field goal percentage (48.1).
7. New York Liberty (5-4)Previous rank: 7 (⬌)
Top acquisition: G Marine Johannès
Johannès rejoined the team this offseason and hasn’t missed a beat. She’s filled in fairly well for Sabrina Ionescu, who has been in and out of the lineup with injuries. Known for her electric 3-point baskets, Johannès leads the league in total shots behind the arc with 29.
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Previous rank: 11 (⬆3)
Top acquisition: G Brittney Sykes
Sykes is having an early breakout for the Tempo as she settles in with her new franchise. She’s averaging a career-high 19.9 points a game and has only had one game where she scored less than 10. The best matchup of her Toronto tenure came against the Sparks on May 17, where she scored 38 points and tallied three steals and one block.
Previous rank: 3 (⬇6)
Top acquisition: F Monique Billings
Billings hasn’t quite reached the double-digit scoring the Fever likely need her to average. However, she’s shown flashes of what she can do, including being disruptive on both ends of the floor. Her best stat lines have been two near-double-doubles, including 10 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocks against the Mystics on May 15.
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Previous rank: 8 (⬇2)
Top acquisition: F Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike returning to Los Angeles has paid dividends for the Sparks. She’s been a welcome extra scoring presence in LA’s lineup and is shooting an efficient 53.2% from the field, while averaging close to 16 points and seven rebounds per game.
Previous rank: 14 (⬆3)
Top acquisition: F Michaela Onyenwere
Onyenwere has played three games for Washington due to injury, so the verdict is still out on her overall impact. However, at 26, she’s one of the foremost veterans on the team and such a young squad will need that experience down the stretch. In her three games, Onyenwere is averaging roughly eight points, including 14 points on 50% shooting against Seattle on May 27.
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12. Chicago Sky (3-5)Previous rank: 9 (⬇3)
Top acquisition: F Rickea Jackson
Jackson isn’t playing anymore this season after suffering an ACL tear. However, her impact on the Sky is undeniable. Since Jackson exited the lineup, Chicago has yet to win a game. She was averaging a team-high 18 points per game, while putting up 1.8 blocks per contest, tied for the team lead with center Kamilla Cardoso.
Previous rank: 11 (⬇2)
Top acquisition: G Natisha Hiedeman
Hiedeman is having one of the best starts to her career as she leads a young Seattle team. The former Lynx guard, who has now transitioned into a starter for the Storm, is averaging a career-best 13.6 points and 4.1 assists per matchup.
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Previous rank: 13 (⬇1)
Top acquisition: G Jovana Nogić
The Mercury are the lone exception to this week’s power rankings, as every other key addition has been a veteran. It’s nearly impossible not to notice the historic tear Nogić has been on. She introduced herself to the league with a 19-point debut and kept going with 27 points against Chicago on May 15. With 25 made 3-pointers this season and 13.3 points per matchup, she leads all rookies in made shots behind the line and is second in rookie scoring.
15. Connecticut Sun (2-8)Previous rank: 15 (⬌)
Top acquisition: C Brittney Griner
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Griner has been the Sun’s best offseason acquisition. The Sun center leads a youthful Connecticut team in scoring (13.5 ppg) and is tied for second in minutes (24.3). At 35 years old, she is still writing her name in the record books and recently became the 18th player in WNBA history to score 6,000 career points.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA power rankings: Best offseason additions for teams in 2026