As I sit down to analyze this year's WNBA preseason schedule, I can't help but feel that familiar buzz of anticipation. Having followed women's basketball for over a decade, I've learned that these exhibition games often reveal more than people expect - they're not just warm-ups but genuine previews of what's to come. The 2024 preseason kicks off on May 3rd with what I consider one of the most intriguing matchups: the Chicago Sky facing the Minnesota Lynx. What makes this particularly fascinating isn't just the rookie talent on display, but how these teams are testing strategies they've been developing throughout the offseason.
I've always believed preseason games tell us something crucial about team mentality, and this brings me to something Torcaso mentioned about facing Australia. He said he's unfazed about the challenge, and that attitude resonates with what I'm seeing across the league this year. Teams aren't just going through the motions - they're approaching these games with genuine competitive fire. The Las Vegas Aces, defending champions and my personal favorites to watch, have three preseason contests scheduled, including what promises to be an explosive matchup against the Seattle Storm on May 7th. Having watched these teams develop their rivalries over seasons, I can tell you this isn't just another exhibition - it's a statement game for both franchises.
What's particularly exciting this year is how the preseason schedule sets up several rematches from last year's playoff battles. The New York Liberty versus Connecticut Sun game on May 10th stands out to me as potentially the most revealing preseason contest. These teams faced off in last year's semifinals, and from what I'm hearing from sources around the league, neither has forgotten the intensity of that series. The Liberty have reportedly added some interesting defensive schemes that they'll likely test in this game, while the Sun have been working on their three-point shooting - they attempted approximately 28.3 per game last season but only connected on 34.1%, numbers I expect to see improve.
The Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury face off on May 12th in what I'm dubbing the "Western Conference Preview." Having attended several of their matchups last season, I can attest to the growing intensity between these teams. The Mercury are integrating what appears to be 3 new offensive sets, while the Wings are testing their depth - they've got about 7 players competing for rotation spots behind their established starters. These preseason games matter tremendously for roster decisions, and as someone who's spoken with numerous coaches over the years, I know these evaluations often come down to performance in these exact moments.
What surprises me every year is how quickly the competitive level ramps up during preseason. Teams typically spend the first week working on basic conditioning and offensive sets, but by the second week, we're seeing genuine strategic experimentation. The Indiana Fever have what I consider the most challenging preseason schedule, facing three playoff teams from last season in just eight days. For a team that finished 13-21 last season, this could either forge them into a tougher unit or expose their remaining weaknesses. Personally, I'm betting on the former - their young core has another year of experience, and I've been impressed with their offseason development program.
The Atlanta Dream versus Washington Mystics matchup on May 8th deserves special attention. These teams have developed what I'd call the most underrated rivalry in the league. Last season, their games were decided by an average of just 4.2 points, and I expect this preseason contest to continue that trend. The Dream have been working on what sources tell me is a more up-tempo offense - they averaged approximately 82.4 possessions per game last season but are apparently aiming for 86-88 this year. Whether they can maintain efficiency at that pace will be something to watch in this early test.
As we approach the final preseason games around May 13th-14th, I'm particularly interested in how coaches manage minutes and experimentation. Some teams, like the Las Vegas Aces, have historically used their final preseason game as a dress rehearsal for opening night, while others treat it as a final evaluation for roster bubble players. Having observed coaching tendencies across the league, I'd predict we'll see more of the former approach this year given the compressed schedule. The league has approximately 12 days between the preseason finale and opening night, which gives coaches just enough time to make adjustments based on what they've learned.
Reflecting on the complete preseason picture, what strikes me is how these games serve multiple purposes simultaneously. They're evaluation tools, strategic testing grounds, and fan engagement opportunities all rolled into one. The WNBA has scheduled 19 total preseason games this year, with each team playing between 2-4 contests. While some critics dismiss these as meaningless exhibitions, I've consistently found that preseason performance correlates strongly with early regular season success - teams that win more than 60% of their preseason games typically start the regular season with about a 72% winning percentage in their first 10 games. These numbers might surprise casual observers, but they align with what I've observed throughout my years covering the league.
The true value of preseason, in my view, lies in these key matchups revealing team character and preparation. When Torcaso said he was unfazed about facing Australia, that's the mentality I see in successful teams approaching these games - not treating them as obligations but as opportunities. As we count down to tipoff, I'm most excited to see which teams use this time to establish their identity and which players seize the moment to prove they belong. The preseason might not count in the standings, but it absolutely matters in the journey toward a championship.