Who Will Make the WNBA All Defensive Team 2025?
Which players truly define winning basketball in the WNBA? While scoring dominates headlines, championships are often decided at the defensive end. The WNBA All-Defensive Team is a yearly recognition of the league’s top stoppers those who disrupt opponents, protect the rim, and set the tone for their teams.
In 2025, anticipation is high, though the selections have not yet been announced. Instead, fans and analysts are looking back at the 2024 results, reviewing the honours already awarded in 2025, and considering who is most likely to appear when the All-Defensive First and Second Teams are revealed on 1 October 2025.
When Will the 2025 WNBA All-Defensive Teams Be Announced?
The league will unveil the All-Defensive First and Second Teams on 1 October 2025, during the playoffs. This timing ensures that defensive excellence is recognised at the moment when it matters most.
The 2025 awards have been scheduled throughout September and October. The following table outlines the confirmed announcement dates:
| Date | Award |
|---|---|
| Sept. 15 | Kia WNBA Most Improved Player |
| Sept. 17 | WNBA Coach of the Year |
| Sept. 18 | Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year |
| Sept. 19 | Five MVP Finalists |
| Sept. 20 | Kia WNBA Sixth Player of the Year |
| Sept. 21 | Kia WNBA Most Valuable Player |
| Sept. 22 | Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award |
| Sept. 23 | WNBA Basketball Executive of the Year |
| Sept. 29 | WNBA All-Rookie Team |
| Oct. 1 | WNBA All-Defensive Teams |
| Oct. 2 | WNBA Business Executive Leadership Award |
| Oct. 7 | All-WNBA Teams |
| TBD | Kia Rookie of the Year |
Who Were the All-Defensive Team Members in 2024?
To understand the potential makeup of the 2025 teams, it is useful to revisit the previous season. The 2024 All-Defensive Teams included a mix of established stars and rising defenders.
| 2024 First Team | 2024 Second Team |
|---|---|
| Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx | Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun |
| A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces | Alanna Smith, Minnesota Lynx |
| Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm | Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm |
| DiJonai Carrington, Connecticut Sun | Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty |
| Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty | Natasha Cloud, Phoenix Mercury |
These ten athletes were recognised for their ability to lead defensive units, alter shots, and consistently deliver against the toughest opposition.
Which Awards Have Already Been Announced in 2025?
Although the All-Defensive Teams are still pending, several other major awards have been decided.
- Most Valuable Player: A’ja Wilson became the first four-time MVP in league history, averaging 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.3 blocks per game while leading the Las Vegas Aces to a strong playoff position.
- Co-Defensive Players of the Year: A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith shared the honour, the first tie in league history. Wilson led the league in blocks, while Smith anchored the Minnesota Lynx defence.
- Rookie of the Year: Paige Bueckers, the Dallas Wings’ No. 1 pick, averaged 19.2 points and tied the WNBA rookie single-game scoring record with 44 points.
- Most Improved Player: Veronica Burton of the Golden State Valkyries transformed into a starter and helped the new franchise reach the playoffs in their debut season.
- Coach of the Year: Natalie Nakase guided the Valkyries to the postseason in their inaugural year.
- Sixth Player of the Year: Naz Hillmon became a key contributor for the Atlanta Dream off the bench.
- Executive of the Year: Dan Padover of the Dream earned his third career win after assembling a 30-win squad.
These outcomes already shape expectations for the All-Defensive announcements.
Who Are the Leading Candidates for the 2025 All-Defensive Teams?
The strongest candidates are usually drawn from the Defensive Player of the Year race and those who consistently appear in steals, blocks, and defensive efficiency rankings.
A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith are almost certain selections after being named Co-DPOY. Napheesa Collier, Ezi Magbegor and DiJonai Carrington are also strong contenders given their consistency. Rookie Paige Bueckers could make history by earning a place, with her combination of scoring and perimeter defence proving invaluable for Dallas.
How Do the All-Defensive Teams Differ From Other WNBA Awards?
The All-Defensive Teams honour a collective of ten players split into two line-ups: the First Team and the Second Team. Unlike MVP or DPOY, which celebrate individual excellence, this award highlights a broader group of athletes across multiple positions. It ensures that both guards and frontcourt players receive recognition for their defensive contributions.
Why Do the All-Defensive Teams Matter in the Playoffs?
Defence is most visible during the postseason. A single stop, steal, or block can alter the course of a series. Players who make the All-Defensive Team are often those tasked with shutting down MVP-level scorers, and their influence can push a franchise towards a championship.
In 2025, with the Minnesota Lynx boasting Alanna Smith and Napheesa Collier, and the Las Vegas Aces anchored by A’ja Wilson, these teams are well positioned defensively for deep playoff runs.
Could New Faces Emerge in 2025?
Every season introduces breakout defenders. Paige Bueckers has already exceeded expectations as a rookie, and Dominique Malonga of the Seattle Storm has shown flashes of elite defensive ability. These emerging names could join established stars like Breanna Stewart and Alyssa Thomas on the All-Defensive radar.
FAQs About the WNBA All Defensive Team 2025
Who decides the All-Defensive Teams?
The voting panel consists of WNBA coaches, who are prohibited from selecting their own players.
Why has there been so much attention on the 2025 awards?
This season has featured historic achievements, including the first shared Defensive Player of the Year and A’ja Wilson’s record-breaking fourth MVP.
Has a rookie ever made the All-Defensive Team?
It is rare, but Paige Bueckers has a legitimate chance to become one of the few rookies in history to achieve the honour.
When exactly will the results be released?
The WNBA will announce the teams on 1 October 2025 during the playoff period.
What is the difference between the First and Second Teams?
The First Team recognises the top five defenders overall, while the Second Team highlights the next best five, ensuring wider recognition.
Which teams dominated the 2024 All-Defensive selections?
The Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty and Seattle Storm each had multiple players featured.
Who is most likely to headline the 2025 All-Defensive Team?
A’ja Wilson and Alanna Smith, already named Co-DPOY, are the leading figures expected to headline the 2025 First Team.
