With the 2025 WNBA regular season winding down, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape. Yesterday, Caitlin Clark announced that she would miss the rest of the 2025 season, removing the league’s top star for the final stretch.
WNBA sportsbooks have projected the Minnesota Lynx (-105) as the clear favorite. Traditional powerhouse contenders like the New York Liberty (+375) and Las Vegas Aces (+425) remain in striking range.
WNBA Championship Betting Favorites
The Lynx have emerged as the team to beat, holding near-even money odds after dominating the second half of the season. Their blend of veteran depth and a versatile frontcourt makes them the sharp betting choice.
- Minnesota Lynx (-105): Current favorite with consistent defensive dominance.
- New York Liberty (+375): Loaded with star power but needing cleaner execution late in games.
- Las Vegas Aces (+425): The two-time defending champs still pose a threat, especially if their big three stays healthy.
Dark Horses and Long Shots
Behind the big three, the Atlanta Dream (+650) are positioning themselves as the most intriguing sleeper. Their young core has found rhythm. If their perimeter shooting holds up under playoff pressure, bettors could find value here.
Farther down, the Phoenix Mercury (+1500) are battling inconsistency yet could ride a late surge into the bracket, especially with veterans who have a playoff pedigree. The Seattle Storm (+4500) remain a long shot, but bettors who trust experience and late-season momentum may eye them as a small-stakes play.
Two teams already look like extreme long shots: the expansion Golden State Valkyries (+10000), still building chemistry in year one, and the Indiana Fever (+15000), whose championship hopes have been dashed now that Caitlin Clark has been ruled out for the remainder of the year.
Teams on the Cusp
As of now, the Mercury, Storm, and Valkyries sit in that gray zone between playoff certainty and elimination. Phoenix appears to be the most likely of the three to make a playoff appearance, while Seattle faces uphill odds given its defensive struggles. The Valkyries have improved offensively, but their -10000 line reflects skepticism that they can squeeze past more experienced squads for a final seed.
Caitlin Clark’s Injury Looms Large
One of the biggest storylines impacting both the playoff field and betting markets is the health of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Clark has been sidelined with an ankle issue and is now ruled out for the rest of 2025.
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Without her, Indiana has struggled to stay competitive, drifting to +15000 on the futures board. This has caused the moneyline odds for the remaining teams to rise.
The Takeaway for Bettors
The Lynx remain the safe but low-value pick on the boards. The Liberty and Aces offer better payouts for bettors who believe in late-season adjustments. The Dream at +650 may represent the best mix of value and potential. Any futures bets on the Fever, Storm, or Valkyries would be a pure gamble on health or improbable rallies.
Bovada Sportsbook – Yahoo! Sports
