The race for the 2025 WNBA MVP is more thrilling than ever. With the regular season entering its final stretch, the competition has narrowed down to three names: Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, reigning MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, and Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury. Three standout players who have raised the league’s competitive level and kept the debate alive until the very last day.
Even legends like Lisa Leslie have weighed in. During a segment on CBS Sports’ We Need to Talk, Leslie pointed out that Collier seemed poised to take the award, but then Wilson reminded everyone why she’s considered one of the league’s most dominant forces. The former player admitted that choosing between them is tough, as all three finalists deliver elite performances.
Cunningham names Napheesa Collier as the best in the league
Despite being sidelined by injury, Sophie Cunningham didn’t miss the chance to share her opinion on who is the most dominant player right now. The Indiana Fever guard suffered an ACL tear on August 17, which required surgery and ruled her out for the rest of the season.
Since her absence, the Fever faced the Minnesota Lynx twice-Collier’s team. In the second matchup, the Lynx star shined with a performance of 32 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals, clearly showing her impact on both ends of the court. That game was likely what convinced Cunningham.
Cunningham praises the Lynx
On her podcast Show Me Something, Cunningham praised both the Lynx and Collier’s leadership. She also noted that they share Missouri roots, adding a personal touch to her admiration. She declared confidently: “Napheesa is good. She’s probably the best player in our league. She’s got everything in her bag.”
Her words come as a surprise, as many might have expected her to choose Caitlin Clark, her teammate on the Indiana Fever. However, Cunningham acknowledged that injuries have slowed Clark down this season, giving Collier room to establish herself as the most dominant figure of 2025.
WNBA 2025: a season finale with playoff intensity
Fever and Lynx still have one more matchup scheduled for September 9, though with Minnesota close to securing the top spot in the standings, it’s likely the coach will rest Collier and other starters ahead of the playoffs.
Regardless, Cunningham’s statement makes it clear that, as of today, the battle for the 2025 WNBA MVP has a leading name: Napheesa Collier.
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