Four weeks into the 2026 WNBA season ESPN’s grading panel handed out report cards to all 15 clubs. Minnesota Lynx topped the list with an A+, riding a 7‑2 record and a five‑game streak despite injuries and roster turnover. Veteran Natasha Howard’s 16.6 points and rookie point guard Olivia Miles’ poise anchored their surge. Their balanced attack also ranks among the league’s most efficient offenses.

The expansion Portland Fire earned the second A+ after posting a 6‑5 mark, just two games behind the league‑leading Lynx. Coach Alex Sarama’s system unlocked Carla Leite’s 15.2 points and Bridget Carleton’s 14.7, while GM Vanja Černivec replicated her success from Golden State. Their rapid identity formation suggests the franchise is more than a novelty. Fans responded with record attendance, boosting Portland’s market profile.

Defending champion Las Vegas Aces stumbled 99‑66 in the opener but rebounded to 6‑3, showing resilience after a bruising start. Conversely, Phoenix Mercury’s 2‑8 slide earned them the league’s lowest grade. With the Lynx, Fire and Aces all hovering near the top, the early standings foreshadow a tightly contested race for playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings’ strong start keeps them in the mix.