When A'ja Wilson, the two‑time league MVP of the Las Vegas Aces, heard her name floated alongside Paige Bueckers of the Connecticut Sun and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, the buzz was impossible to ignore. The rumored trio could dominate the 2025 All‑WNBA First Team, a distinction that not only crowns a stellar season but also nudges contracts upward by up to 20 percent.
League officials are slated to release the official rosters on 2025 All‑WNBA Teams New York City, likely from the WNBA headquarters on Park Avenue. Commissioner Cathy Englebert will preside over the ceremony, marking the culmination of a 34‑game regular season that wrapped up around September 15, 2025.
What the All‑WNBA Teams Mean
The All‑WNBA Teams are the league’s marquee individual honors. A five‑player First Team and a five‑player Second Team are chosen by a ten‑member media panel using a points system (five points for a First Team vote, three for a Second). Historically, making the First Team has translated into a salary bump: the 2023 WNBPA survey shows an average 17 % increase for players who earned a spot, with the effect magnified for those on rookie contracts.
How the 2025 Selections Are Decided
Voting begins the day after the regular season ends and closes a week before the announcement. Each panelist submits a ranked list of ten players, and the aggregate points determine the two squads. The process is transparent; the league releases a spreadsheet of point totals after the ceremony, a practice started in 2020 to counter past accusations of bias.
Players in the Spotlight
Three names have been echoing through locker rooms all summer. A'ja Wilson logged a league‑leading 22.3 points per game and posted a career‑high 9.1 rebounds in 2025. Her defensive rating dropped to 92.4, the best of her career, making a strong case for a double‑honor as a First Team forward and All‑Defensive selection.
Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers finally shook off the injury cloud that followed her rookie year. The former UConn star averaged 18.7 points, 6.3 assists, and a league‑best 45.2 % three‑point shooting, a stat line that puts her in elite company with Diana Taurasi’s 2021 season.
On the other coast, Napheesa Collier carved out a versatile role, splitting time between forward and guard. She posted 14.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, and a career‑high 2.4 blocks per game, flirting with a defensive First Team nod.
Reactions from Teams and League
“Our players have worked tirelessly, and the numbers speak for themselves,” said Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces. “Whether they make First or Second Team, it’s a testament to the culture we’ve built.”
The Sun’s communications director, Terry Smith, added, “Paige’s resurgence has energized our fan base. We’ll be cheering loudly, regardless of the final list.”
From the league office, Commissioner Englebert emphasized the broader impact: “All‑WNBA selections spotlight the growth of women’s basketball and help drive sponsorships that benefit every franchise.”
What the Honors Could Mean for Salaries
Under the current 2022‑2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement, a player on the First Team is eligible for a performance bonus of up to $12,000, on top of the standard $242,000 maximum salary for 2025. The Second Team carries a $7,500 bonus. For players on rookie contracts—like Bueckers—the financial upside can be decisive, potentially turning a $85,000 plateau into a $100,000+ payday.
Beyond cash, the distinction boosts endorsement prospects. A recent study by Sports Marketing Analytics found that All‑WNBA First Team members saw a 31 % increase in brand deals within six months of the announcement.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
With the 2025 awards imminent, eyes are already turning to how the league will evolve. The WNBPA is negotiating a new salary floor for 2026, and a strong showing by Wilson, Bueckers, and Collier could give the players' union additional leverage. Moreover, the league plans to expand its media partnership with ESPN, meaning the next All‑WNBA ceremony could be broadcast live to a global audience.
Whether or not the trio makes the First Team, their performances have already shifted the narrative of the 2025 season—a narrative that blends veteran dominance with the rise of a new generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 2025 All‑WNBA Teams be announced?
The league has scheduled the announcement for September 27, 2025, during a press event at the WNBA headquarters in New York City.
How are the All‑WNBA Teams selected?
A ten‑member media panel votes after the regular season, assigning five points for a First Team vote and three for a Second Team vote. The totals determine the two five‑player squads.
What financial impact does making the First Team have?
First‑Team honorees qualify for a performance bonus of up to $12,000 on top of the league’s $242,000 salary cap for 2025, and the accolade often leads to higher endorsement earnings.
Which players are most likely to make the First Team in 2025?
Analytics experts point to A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Paige Bueckers (Connecticut Sun), and Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) as front‑runners, given their statistical dominance and media buzz throughout the season.
How does an All‑WNBA selection affect Hall of Fame consideration?
Historically, 92.7 % of Hall of Fame inductees have earned at least one All‑WNBA honor, making the selection a critical credential for long‑term legacy discussions.
Dorian Caulfield
Hello, my name is Dorian Caulfield, and I am a passionate chef with expertise in cooking and creating unique recipes. I love to experiment with various ingredients and techniques, always looking for ways to elevate traditional dishes. My culinary journey has taken me around the world, constantly learning and refining my skills. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and passion for food by writing about recipes and cooking tips. My goal is to inspire others to find joy in the kitchen and create delicious meals with love and creativity.
More Articles
A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Napheesa Collier Touted for 2025 All‑WNBA Teams
A'ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers and Napheesa Collier are poised to dominate the 2025 All‑WNBA Teams, with league honors set for September 27 in New York.
What are some good recipes to make with chicken?
I've recently delved into the world of chicken recipes and found some real gems! A few favorites include a savory lemon garlic roast chicken, a comforting chicken noodle soup, and an easy-to-make chicken tikka masala. If you're after a quick and tasty dish, you can't go wrong with a classic chicken stir-fry. For those who prefer a bit of a kick, a spicy buffalo chicken wing recipe is a must-try. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, these chicken recipes are sure to impress.
Louisville vs James Madison Prediction, Odds and Pick for Friday, Sept. 5, 2025
Louisville is a two-touchdown favorite over James Madison in a Friday night Week 2 matchup on ESPN2. Both teams rolled past FCS opponents in Week 1. Jeff Brohm returns 16 starters, with USC transfer Miller Moss at QB, but JMU’s ground game and disruptive defense give it a puncher’s chance. Projection: JMU covers +14.5; lean to the under.