The 2025 WNBA General Manager Survey revealed high expectations for some of the league’s rising and established stars, most notably rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
In a vote among league executives, Clark emerged as the top choice to build a franchise around, securing 50 percent of the vote. She edged out two-time MVP A’ja Wilson, who garnered 33 percent, while Napheesa Collier and international standout Dominique Malonga also received consideration.
While Clark was recognized for her long-term potential, Collier was the clear favorite to win the 2025 WNBA MVP award. She received 67 percent of the vote, well ahead of Wilson (25 percent) and Clark (8 percent).
Collier’s Minnesota Lynx were also heavily favored to win the WNBA title, earning 60 percent of the vote. The New York Liberty followed with 20 percent, while the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces each drew 10 percent.
The Fever, headlined by Clark, were recognized as the league’s most exciting team entering the season.
An overwhelming 75 percent of GMs selected Indiana as the team expected to be the most fun to watch. Additionally, 50 percent of respondents believed the Fever possessed the most promising young core in the WNBA.
Looking at the rookie class, Paige Bueckers stood out as the front-runner for Rookie of the Year, earning 73 percent of the vote. However, when asked which rookie would be the best player five years from now, GMs slightly leaned toward Malonga, who edged out Bueckers by a 60-40 margin.
The survey underscores a generational shift happening in the WNBA, with young stars like Clark, Bueckers, and Malonga already commanding the attention and confidence of league decision-makers.
Caitlin Clark Voted By WNBA GMs As Best Player To Build Around; Napheesa Collier Considered MVP Favorite https://t.co/Ni9gMBsnMH
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 15, 2025
