Ranking every WNBA team's starting fives in 2026, from new-look Liberty to Angel Reese-inspired Dream originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The WNBA looks a little different this season. There are more teams, larger contracts and more storylines to follow than ever before.

Given all the transactions that took place in the offseason, one could be forgiven if they were a little unsure how WNBA rosters look at present.We know A'ja Wilson and the Aces are slated to compete for more gold -- both individually and collectively -- in the seasons to come. We know the likes of the Liberty and Fever should emerge as valuable bulwarks to Las Vegas' capabilities. And we know that the Storm, Mystics and expansion franchises should all be in the mix for a lottery pick come the end of next season.But just which WNBA core reigns supreme?

Which starting unit is the most capable of leading its team towards championship contention? And which rosters are imposters, lacking in any real ability to impose their will on their adversaries?The Sporting News is ranking every team's projected starting five. Follow below for a warm look at the best and worst starting units in the WNBA in 2026.MORE: Complete results and analysis for every pick in Round 1Ranking every WNBA team's starting fives1.

LibertyProjected starting lineup:G Sabrina IonescuG Natasha CloudF Satou SaballyF Breanna StewartC Jonquel JonesNew York takes its place atop the WNBA ladder, its starting lineup adorned in diamonds. Between Ionescu, Sabally, Stewart and Jones, the Liberty have 19 All-Star appearances, 17 All-WNBA selections and three MVPs in its collection. Cloud is no certainty at the No. 2 -- she remains without a contract, caught in the limbo of free agency.Nevertheless, Sabally's addition should provide a new dimension to New York's attack, now slated to be helmed by former Warriors assistant Chris Kolb.2.

AcesProjected starting lineup:G Chelsea GrayG Jackie YoungG Jewell LoydF NaLyssa SmithC A'ja WilsonThe reigning WNBA champions sit at No. 2 on the list of starting lineups. A'ja Wilson is the sport's greatest and is all but certain to garner MVP consideration for Las Vegas in 2026. Gray and Loyd are aging talents, but they showcased their value during postseason play, offering timely contributions as the Aces traipsed their way to another crown.

Young brings it all together, pairing dogged defense with impressive shot-making skills to power the Aces' backcourt. With Becky Hammon at the helm, there's no reason to believe Las Vegas won't be near the top of the standings in 2026 and beyond.MORE: How Raven Johnson fits with Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston in Indiana3. Atlanta DreamProjected starting lineup:G Allisha GrayG Rhyne HowardF Naz HillmonF Angel ReeseC Brionna JonesThe Dream posted the joint-second-best record in the WNBA in 2025.

They could eclipse that mark in 2026, having made a splash by adding Reese into their ranks.Reese's credentials need little introduction. She is the WNBA's greatest-ever rebounder and provides a dizzying combo of defensive versatility, secondary playmaking and transition offense. She should fit right at home in Karl Smesko's high-octane offense, which will see the likes of Gray and Howard launch triples at the rim with reckless abandon.

Jones is a steady paint presence with sumptuous touch while Hillmon is one of the league's best role players. Everything is shaping up nicely for Atlanta to be a contender in 2026 and beyond.4. Indiana FeverProjected starting lineup:G Caitlin ClarkG Kelsey MitchellF Lexie HullF Sophie CunninghamC Aliyah BostonClark only played 13 games last season.

Indiana nearly made the WNBA Finals in spite of it, falling one game short of women's basketball's holy land. Clark will likely never have a season as bad as she did in 2025. Assuming she has a clean bill of health next year, she should spearhead one of the WNBA's best attacks.

Mitchell took a step forward as an offensive initiator en route to earning All-WNBA First Team honors in 2025, while Boston reemerged as one of the W's best two-way talents. Hull and Cunningham should provide trebuchet-like shooting from beyond the arc, giving Stephanie White's side multiple ways to beat other teams.MORE: How much do WNBA rookies make in 2026?5. Minnesota LynxProjected starting lineup:G Olivia MilesG Kayla McBrideF Napheesa CollierF Dorka JuhaszF Natasha HowardTo say Minnesota had a disappointing offseason would be an understatement.

The Lynx lost five prominent contributors to last year's roster, which finished with the best record in the sport. Collier and McBride's status will be worth watching to start the season; the former was felled by an eardrum issue, while the latter is likely to miss the first month or two of the WNBA campaign after undergoing surgery on both of her ankles. If Collier returns to form upon her insertion into the lineup, the Lynx should still be able to contend for a play