The 2025 WNBA season hasn’t even begun, yet the MVP debate is already in full swing. While fans and bettors overwhelmingly support Caitlin Clark, analysts favor more seasoned candidates whose resumes might overshadow Clark’s starpower.
Just months ago, the Indiana Fever guard dominated Rookie of the Year voting. However, her absence from the top ranks in MVP voting left fans and pundits questioning whether the award truly reflects a player’s impact-or merely rewards popularity.
“To think she wasn’t even in the top three for MVP… it’s shocking,” Christie Sides remarked, echoing the widespread sentiment among experts and fans. Now, with a new season approaching, Clark has another shot at securing the coveted award-but she faces stiff competition.
Is A’ja Wilson the MVP favorite?
A’ja Wilson left no doubt in 2025, sweeping the MVP votes, and analyst Lucy Rohden is confident history will repeat itself. While acknowledging the challenges of comparing players before the season begins, Rohden expressed absolute faith in the Las Vegas Aces star.
“I will never publicly doubt A’ja Wilson-ever,” Rohden insisted. “I’ll never do it in a million years. I’ll never do it privately. I’ll never do it in my life-ever.”
She believes the Fever’s offseason moves could strengthen their Finals chances but might diminish Clark’s overall role. “I think Caitlin will improve, but she may not be as central within her own team.”
Rohden emphasized that this shift benefits the Fever but might not help Clark’s MVP candidacy. “I don’t know if it translates to the MVP race, but I won’t doubt A’ja Wilson. So I’ll say it now: I’m picking her to win MVP.”
Betting markets favor Clark
While analysts favor Wilson, bettors disagree. FanDuel lists Clark as the MVP frontrunner at +200, slightly ahead of Wilson at +230. ESPN BET offers the same odds for Clark, with Wilson at +235, while DraftKings sets their lines at +195 for Clark and +210 for Wilson.
The odds remain close and will undoubtedly shift as the season progresses. Moreover, Wilson and Clark aren’t the only contenders-Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu also pose serious threats to the MVP crown.
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