2019 season predictions: Who wins MVP? Who wins the title?
Before the WNBA’s 23rd season opens Friday, ESPN’s panel of experts weigh in with their predictions for how the 2019 campaign will unfold. Which players will stand out? Which teams will lead the pack?
Analysts Rebecca Lobo and LaChina Robinson, play-by-play personnel Ryan Ruocco and Pam Ward, ESPN.com’s Kevin Pelton, The Undefeated’s Sean Hurd and espnW’s Mechelle Voepel and Katie Barnes cast their picks below.
Barnes: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
Hurd: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
Lobo: Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
Pelton: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
Robinson: Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury
Ruocco: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Voepel: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
Ward: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics
Barnes: Asia Durr, New York Liberty
Hurd: Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Lobo: Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
Pelton: Asia Durr, New York Liberty
Robinson: Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces
Ruocco: Asia Durr, New York Liberty
Voepel: Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
Ward: Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Barnes: Liz Cambage, Las Vegas; Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Tiffany Hayes, Atlanta Dream; Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks; Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky
Hurd: Liz Cambage, Las Vegas Aces; Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles Sparks; Jonquel Jones, Connecticut Sun; Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky
Lobo: Liz Cambage, Las Vegas Aces; Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles Sparks; Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury; Tiffany Hayes, Atlanta Dream
Pelton: Liz Cambage, Las Vegas Aces; Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Jewell Loyd, Seattle Storm; Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks; Courtney Vandersloot, Chicago Sky
Robinson: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury; Tiffany Hayes, Atlanta Dream; Kayla McBride, Las Vegas Aces; A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Ruocco: Liz Cambage, Las Vegas Aces; Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles Sparks; Tiffany Hayes, Atlanta Dream; A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Voepel: Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles Sparks; Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury; Nneka Ogwumike, Los Angeles Sparks; A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Ward: Liz Cambage, Las Vegas Aces; Elena Delle Donne, Washington Mystics; Chelsea Gray, Los Angeles Sparks; Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury; A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Barnes: Connecticut Sun vs. Washington Mystics
Hurd: Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces
Lobo: Connecticut Sun vs. Phoenix Mercury
Pelton: Connecticut Sun vs. Washington Mystics
Robinson: Phoenix Mercury vs. Washington Mystics
Ruocco: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Phoenix Mercury
Voepel: Phoenix Mercury vs. Washington Mystics
Ward: Phoenix Mercury vs. Washington Mystics
Barnes: Washington Mystics
Hurd: Connecticut Sun
Lobo: Phoenix Mercury
Pelton: Washington Mystics
Robinson: Phoenix Mercury
Ruocco: Phoenix Mercury
Voepel: Phoenix Mercury
Ward: Phoenix Mercury