It’s that time of year again — the WNBA is back tomorrow! With a highly anticipated season ahead, the league will feature its first expansion team since 2008—The Golden State Valkyries. With that, the league implemented an increase in regular season games (44), and the league now has a total of 13 teams.ƒdecent
Before the season tips off, a handful of players are poised to make a strong case for the 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player award. With former Connecticut Sun DiJonai Carrington taking home the award last year, who will be crowned MIP this season?
Let’s take a look at my top candidates for the award, the current odds, and my predictions below!
2025 WNBA Most Improved Candidates and Predictions
PlayerTeamOdds
Rhyne HowardAtlanta Dream+650
Rickea JacksonLos Angeles Sparks+650
Kamilla CardosoChicago Sky+850
Shakira AustinWashington Mystics+1000
Aaliyah EdwardsWashington Mystics+1400
Gabby WilliamsSeattle Storm+1600
Kate Martin Golden State Valkyries+1600
Leonie FiebichNew York Liberty+1600
Caitlin ClarkIndiana Fever+2000
Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks (+650)
Rickea Jackson will team up with Cameron Brink for the LA Sparks 🔥 #WNBAdraft pic.twitter.com/xkWoCMt8tS
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) April 16, 2024
Nearly every sportsbook has Rickea Jackson tabbed the second favorite to win the Most Improved Player at +650 odds. Drafted No. 4 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson made headlines in her rookie season. One could argue the Sparks won the draft by selecting both Jackson and Cameron Brink in the top four of the 2024 draft. Unfortunately, Brink suffered an ACL tear, and missed most of her rookie year.
Although Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese grabbed headlines, Jackson had an overshadowed rookie campaign. Ranking third among all rookies with 13.4 points per game, Jackson averaged 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Durability wasn’t an issue, as Jackson played all 40 games with the Sparks.
Ranked third in minutes played (28.8 MPG), Jackson was tabbed a starter for Los Angeles in 35 of 40 games. Other than Clark, no rookie shot the rock more than Jackson, who averaged 5.0 field goals made per game.
Just outside the top 30 in points per game, I expect Jackson to take a leap in her second season. The Sparks will continue to rebuild—this time with Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby in the starting lineup.
How Will Rickea Jackson Look in a New System
Until Brink is fully healthy to return to the lineup, it’s Jackson’s time to shine. With Plum at point guard, it will only open up opportunities for Jackson. With the Sparks expected to improve from last season, I expect Jacksons game to evolve with talent around her.
Although Unrivaled and 3-on-3 basketball is vastly different, Jackson has sharpened the tools in her toolbox. A member of Mist BC, Jackson’s 1-on-1 victory over Jackie Young turned heads. A true three-level-scorer, she showed her willingness to pull from deep, and attack downhill in the off-season.
In her rookie year, she shot 68.3 percent from the restricted area last season. Additionally, the former Lady Vol shot 37.1 percent from above the break threes. In another words, she can do it all.
Then of course, is Jackson’s mid range game, which I can gloat about all day. And can we talk about Jackson’s crossover game!?
If Jackson doesn’t win the award this year, she’s poised to in the future. A rising star, she would join Jonquel Jones as the only second year player in WNBA history to win Most Improved.
Jackson will get a chance to expand her game under head coach Lynne Roberts. Known for developing a high powered offense with Utah, it will be intriguing how Jackson develops in her system. With the departure of Kia Nurse and Lexie Brown, there’s a clear path for Jackson. While the addition of Plums may change the landscape in a positive way, Jackson ranked second on the Sparks in points and field goal attempts per game (11.0) last season.
Kamilla Cardoso, Chicago Sky (+850)
“My main goal was to get get here and give my family a better life “
Kamilla Cardoso selected no 3 overall by the Chicago Sky, who also just selected Angel Reese#WNBADraft pic.twitter.com/ufyyKSQVle
— Sara Jane Gamelli (@SaraJGamelli) April 16, 2024
The third favorite to win Most Improved Player in the books, Kamilla Cardoso will enter her second season as a member of the Chicago Sky.
Drafted No.3 overall by Chicago in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Cardoso had a decent rookie campaign, ranking fourth among newbies with 9.8 points per game. Limited to 32 games, Cardoso managed to rank No. 1 among rookies in field goal percentage (52.1 %). Although injuries slowed her roll for the first six games of the season, Cardoso eventually hit her stride.
At 6 foot 7, Cardoso ranked second in the WNBA behind teammate Angel Reese with 3.0 offensive boards per game. Additionally, she ranked seventh in blocks per game (1.5).
Cardoso found her rhythm post all-star break, soaring past her first half stats. Since the break, she averaged 12.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.9 blocks. Her 59.1 field goal percentage was No.6 in the WNBA, and her 8.0 rebounds per game ranked within the top ten.
Named a member of the All-Rookie Team, Cardoso was featured alongside teammate Angel Reese (Sky), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Leonie Fiebich (Liberty), and Rickea Jackson (Sparks).
How Tyler Marsh Can Unlock Kamilla Cardoso
The Chicago Sky looks vastly different under new head coach Tyler Marsh. Chicago was intent on building around Reese and Cardoso—by bringing in Courtney Vandersloot, Kia Nurse, and Rebecca Allen. With Marsh referring to both Reese and Cardoso as the “cornerstones” of the franchise, I only see Cardoso taking on a broader role.
Admitting he wants Cardoso to score easily, there’s plenty of ways in doing so. With that said, running the pick and roll two player game between Vandersloot and Cardoso might be a cheat code.
There’s no doubt the Sky have added pieces around Cardoso that will further highlight her strengths. With that, Marsh brings in a fresh set of eyes, aiming for a faster pace and more threes among the roster. Having not attempted a single 3-pointer in her career, is this the year Cardoso spaces the floor out to the 3-point line?
If there’s one thing to know about Tyler Marsh, it’s that he’s open to expanding Cardoso’s game beyond being one-dimensional.
Expected to feel more comfortable in her second season, it’s no secret Cardoso performs effectively in the post. Aforementioned, the additions of shooters and Vandersloot should certainly open up looks for her.
Let’s not forget, Cardoso is coming off a full season overseas with the Women’s Chinese Basketball League. No. 10 in scoring, Cardoso averaged 20.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Named WCBA Third-Team, the WCBA International Player of the Year heads into the WNBA season healthy fresh off a full season. After a dominant season in China, it’s intriguing how Tyler Marsh will handle the spacing and development of both Reese and Cardoso.
Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm (+1600)
Gabby Williams heads into the season as a massive underdog to win Most Improved Player. The former UConn Husky heads back to Seattle after they initially used a core player designation on Williams. Fully committed to the team, Williams has elected to skip EuroBasket.
It’s the first time in two years Williams is fully ready, healthy, and available. Logging just 22 games in the last two seasons with the Storm, it’s difficult to base her stats off such limited playing time.
Former EuroLeague champion and MVP, Williams was a massive leader on the French Women’s National Team in 2024. In fact, Williams was one foot shy of tying the USA National Team in the Olympic Gold Medal Match. After achieving silver with France, the entire basketball world watched as Williams lit up before their eyes. Leading the French National Team with 15.5 points per game, Williams averaged 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals.
Can Gabby Williams Replicate Her Olympic Numbers With the Storm?
Named WNBA Second All-Defensive team in 2022, Williams is one of the most underrated defenders in the league. Not only is she known for her defensive prowess, Williams has the experience overseas to excel in this league. Although she’ll be surrounded by a wealth of talent in Seattle, I truly believe she can surpass her career-best 10.3 points per game in 2024.
Gabby Williams is a “dawg,” and there’s no other way to describe it. We recently seen her put up MVP type numbers with Fenerbahće, and has the athleticism to bring much needed scoring to the Storm.
With Katie Lou Samuelson out with for the season with an ACL injury, Williams is in line for a larger role alongside Alysha Clark. At just 5’11, Williams is a versatile player who can play multiple positions for head coach Noelle Quinn. Not to mention, she’s a bucket getter. 3-point prowess may not be Williams strong suit, however, she shot a career-high 32.3 percent from beyond the arc in 12 games with Seattle last year.
Is this the first year Williams will play a full 44 games? Haven’t played 35+ in three seasons, her production will all depend on how Quinn uses her. If Williams continues her stats as she did in the Olympics, she is a clear cut most improved candidate.
Jacy Sheldon, Connecticut Sun (No Odds)
Although most books haven’t mentioned this, I’m throwing in second year guard Jacy Sheldon as a possible most improved player. Drafted No.5 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Sheldon was traded to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris.
Known for her ferocious defensive prowess, Sheldon averaged just 5.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 40 games with the Wings last season. Sharing a backcourt with Arike Ogunbowale can be difficult, considering Arike is a hefty, elite, volume shooter.
Now Sheldon gets her chance to rebuild with a program that’s entering it’s first rebuild in years. With a chance to enter the starting lineup under new head coach Rachid Meziane, Sheldon enters a roster with three rookies (not counting Leila Lacan).
While the Connecticut Sun have veterans in Tina Charles and Bria Huntley, Sheldon has the rare chance to lead an extremely young, and inexperienced team in her second year. Plus, she has all the opportunities to learn from Marina Mabrey in the backcourt.
Connecticut has prided itself on defense, and that hasn’t changed despite a revamped roster. Sheldon showed out in preseason, pouring in 16 points on 3-4 3-point shots against the New York Liberty last Friday.
Although there aren’t current odds for Sheldon, she’s someone to keep in mind when Most Improved Player of the Year. It wouldn’t be the first time Connecticut developed a MIP player.
2025 WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year Prediction: Gabby Williams, Seattle Storm (+1600)
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Writer, Journalist, Content Creator, Managing Editor, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
