Aug 15, 2024 - Sports

WNBA season is back after Olympics break

Analis Bailey

Animated illustration of Caitlin Clark shooting a jump shot. — Photo illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios. Photos: Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The WNBA season resumes Thursday after a month-long break for the Olympics.

State of play: The U.S. women's basketball team won their eighth straight gold medal and now it's time for players to shift their focus before the September playoffs.

Between the lines: While A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier were leading the charge in Paris, rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese had time to rest.

Clark, the rookie of the year candidate, and her Indiana Fever host the Phoenix Mercury on Friday.

The New York Liberty (21- 4) is ranked No. 1, but the Connecticut Sun (18-6), Minnesota Lynx (17-8) and the Seattle Storm (17-8) are gunning for the top spot.

The Las Vegas Aces (16-8), the two-time defending league champ, is ranked fifth, and the Phoenix Mercury (13-12), which has three gold medalists, Brittney Griner, Kahleah Copper and Diana Taurasi, is ranked sixth.

Here are some important dates to know:

Aug. 20: Trade deadline
Sept. 19: Regular season ends
Sept. 22: Playoffs begin
Oct. 20: Last possible finals date

WNBA season is back after Olympics break

What to read next