The defending champions New York Liberty and last year’s runner ups Minnesota Lynx have both stormed out with undefeated records this season, marking only the second time in league history that two teams have begun a campaign unbeaten through at least eight games. That electric start has fans asking: can these teams ride their momentum and etch their names among the all-time greats?
The Liberty, powered by elite All-Stars in Breanna Stewart, WNBA Finals MVP Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu, have looked like a juggernaut on offense—leading the league in three-pointers made per game and assist rate through the first few weeks. Meanwhile, the Lynx have leaned on a more balanced attack and suffocating defense, allowing the fewest points per game in the WNBA as of early June. Their combination of perimeter toughness and veteran leadership mirrors the formula that led them to four championships in the 2010s. If either squad can stretch this streak into double digits—and flirt with the longest streaks in league history, like Phoenix’s 16 in 2014 or Houston’s 15 in 1998—they won’t just be playoff locks. They’ll be chasing legacy.
The stakes are even higher considering what’s ahead: head-to-head matchups between the two teams, potential Finals implications – at least according to Norgesspill — and the opportunity to join a very short list of teams who’ve won 12 or more straight games in a single season. With parity across much of the league, such dominant stretches are rare—and often signal a team ready to make a serious championship run.
The Longest Winning Streaks in WNBA History
When a team strings together win after win, it’s more than a hot streak—it’s a signal that something special is brewing. Long winning streaks in the league often reflect elite chemistry, coaching, and star power firing on all cylinders. They tend to foreshadow deep playoff runs and, in many cases, championships. From dynasties like the Houston Comets and Minnesota Lynx to recent powerhouses like the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, these streaks define eras and raise the bar for greatness. Below are the longest single-season winning streaks in WNBA history
1. Los Angeles Sparks – 18 games (2001)
Yes—they did. In 2001, the Los Angeles Sparks embarked on a historic run, winning 18 consecutive games—the longest single-season winning streak in WNBA history. This dominant stretch began in late June and extended through early August, during which the Sparks maintained a perfect 16–0 home record, becoming the first team ever to go undefeated at home for a full season. Led by Lisa Leslie, who delivered standout performances like a 23-point, 11-rebound effort against Sacramento to seal their 14th win, and major contributions from veterans like DeLisha Milton-Jones, the Sparks averaged over 28 wins that season, which is second-best all-time (before they went to a 40 game season). Though the streak was finally snapped in overtime by the Utah Starzz, that 18-game run remains the longest run in WNBA history and ended in not only the franchise’s first championship but breaking the Comet’s four-consecutive titles stranglehold on the WNBA Finals since the league’s 1997 inception. Did they win the championship? Yes.
2. Phoenix Mercury – 16 games (2014)
The 2014 Mercury put together a jaw-dropping 16-game win streak, still the longest in league history. Led by Diana Taurasi’s scoring wizardry (25.1 PPG that season) and Brittney Griner’s inside dominance (10.6 RPG), they wrapped up 29–5 and would eventually capture the championship. Phoenix’s chemistry was unmatched, combining veteran savvy with deep bench production. Their dominance wasn’t just in the wins—it was how impossible they were to beat night after night. Did they win the championship? Yes.
3. Houston Comets – 15 games (1998)
The 1998 Houston Comets were a force of nature, ripping off a 15-game winning streak—still one of the longest in WNBA history—as they powered through the regular season. Anchored by Cynthia Cooper’s scoring brilliance (she averaged 22.7 PPG that year) and MVP-caliber play from Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, the Comets posted a 27–3 record, the best season winning percentage (.900) in league history. Under veteran coach Van Chancellor, Houston’s Big Three terrorized opponents, blending offensive firepower with lockdown defense. The winning streak wasn’t just for show—it built momentum and confidence, and the Comets capped their season with a championship, defeating the Mercury 2–1 in the Finals to claim back-to-back titles. That 15-game run remains an example of dominance by a dynasty team, laying the foundation for a four-time WNBA championship run. Did they win the championship? Yes.
# | Team | Streak | Season |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Los Angeles Sparks | 18 | 2001 |
2 | Phoenix Mercury | 16 | 2014 |
3 | Houston Comets | 15 | 1998 |
4 | Connecticut Sun | 14 | 2021 |
5 | Seattle Storm | 13 | 2010 |
5 | Minnesota Lynx | 13 | 2016 |
7 | Minnesota Lynx | 11 | 2012 |
7 | Los Angeles Sparks | 11 | 2016 |
9 | Houston Comets | 10 | 2000 |
9 | Minnesota Lynx | 10 | 2012 |
11 | Las Vegas Aces | 9 | 2023 |
11 | Minnesota Lynx | 9 | 2017 |
13 | Las Vegas Aces | 8 | 2023 |
13 | New York Liberty | 8 | 2025 |
13 | Minnesota Lynx | 8 | 2025 |
4. Connecticut Sun – 14 games (2021)
The Sun rattled off 15 straight victories, powered by Tina Charles’s 18.3 PPG and Alyssa Thomas’s all-around impact. This streak helped them lead the Eastern Conference before their Finals push. Isabel Harrison and Morgan Tuck provided much-needed depth, making this one of the most balanced teams in franchise history. Connecticut set a new tone for consistency, achieving home-court throughout the playoffs but would ultimately come up short as the Chicago Sky would win the 2021 WNBA championship. Did they win the championship? No.
5. Seattle Storm – 13 games (2010)
The 2010 Seattle Storm put together one of the most dominant campaigns in WNBA history, including a 13-game winning streak that highlighted their control over the league. Led by future Hall of Famers Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson—who won her third MVP that season—the Storm were nearly unstoppable on both ends of the court. Their winning streak wasn’t just about piling up victories; it was about dismantling opponents with crisp ball movement, suffocating defense, and Jackson’s inside-out scoring. Seattle finished the regular season with a 28–6 record and never lost a single home game all year. More impressively, they went undefeated in the playoffs, sweeping through three rounds to capture the WNBA championship. That 13-game run was a major tone-setter for a team that turned dominance into a title. Did they win the championship? Yes.
5. Minnesota Lynx – 13 games (2016)
Coached by Cheryl Reeve and anchored by a starting five that are among the best WNBA players of all-time: Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, Lindsey Whalen, Rebekkah Brunson and Seimone Augustus, the Lynx paused briefly but came roaring back with yet another Finals appearance. In 2016, the Minnesota Lynx started the season with a record-breaking 13–0 winning streak, surpassing their previous best of 10–0 set in 2012 (more on that in a minute). Over that dominant stretch, they averaged 86.5 points per game, shot 48.1% overall and 33.1% from three, hauled in 34 rebounds, dished out 20.5 assists, and forced 9.7 steals per contest—numbers that showcased their all-around dominance.
Defensively, the Lynx were equally impressive, holding opponents to just 73.8 points per game and under 42% shooting, creating pressure and turnovers with ease. Their streak included a dramatic 72–69 win over the 11–0 Los Angeles Sparks, capped by a clutch go-ahead three from Renee Montgomery. Although the run ended the next game with a 94–76 road loss to the Sparks at Staples Center , the momentum helped drive Minnesota to a 28–6 regular-season record and ultimately a trip to the WNBA Finals. Their 13-game unbeaten run remains the longest start to a season in WNBA history. Did they win the championship? No, they lost to Candace Parker’s Los Angeles Sparks in finals.
7. Minnesota Lynx – 11 games (2012)
In the same season that the Lynx started their season with a then-record 10 straight wins out the gate, the Lynx ripped off another 11-game winning streak, this time spanning August and September, as they barreled toward the postseason with the league’s best record. That stretch was defined by dominance over playoff-caliber teams and statement wins that hinted at a potential dynasty in the making. With Moore stepping into full superstar mode and the frontcourt controlling the paint, the Lynx looked virtually unbeatable. They finished the regular season 27–7 and earned the top seed in the Western Conference. However, despite their regular-season dominance, the Lynx fell short of repeating as champions, losing to the Indiana Fever in a stunning 3–1 Finals upset behind Tamika Catchings. Still, their two separate double-digit win streaks in a single season remain one of the most impressive feats in WNBA history. Did they win the championship? No.
7. Los Angeles Sparks – 11 games (2016)
The 2016 Los Angeles Sparks opened their season with an 11-game winning streak, asserting themselves as immediate title contenders. Led by the formidable duo of Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike—who would go on to win league MVP—the Sparks blended elite scoring with suffocating defense. During the streak, they ranked top two in both offensive and defensive rating, routinely dismantling opponents by double digits. Their balanced attack featured five players averaging double figures, while their assist-to-turnover ratio led the league. The Sparks’ 11–0 start was the franchise’s best since the early 2000s and helped set the tone for a championship season, which they capped off with a dramatic Finals win over the Minnesota Lynx. Did they win the championship? Yes.
9. Houston Comets – 10 games (2000)
The 2000 Houston Comets continued their dynasty with another dominant season, clinching a 27–5 record (.844 winning percentage), second-best in franchise history. Anchored by league MVP Swoopes, Finals MVP Cooper, and Thompson, the Comets notched a 13-game regular-season home winning streak—the longest home streak in WNBA history at the time. Houston’s balance was remarkable: they ranked near the top in offensive and defensive efficiency, with strong contributions across the roster, including Janeth Arcain’s steady perimeter play and Tiffani Johnson’s rim protection. They carried the momentum into the postseason, sweeping both the Sparks and Liberty in the Finals to secure their fourth consecutive WNBA championship. Coached by Van Chancellor, the 2000 Comets cemented their status as one of the league’s greatest teams—a dynasty bookended by dominant regular-season runs and flawless postseason execution. Did they win the championship? Yes.
9. Minnesota Lynx – 10 games (2012)
The 2012 Minnesota Lynx opened their season with a blistering 10-game winning streak, the best start in franchise history at the time. Led by a powerhouse core of Moore, Augustus, Whalen, and Brunson, the Lynx were a well-oiled machine firing on both ends of the floor. During that opening run, Minnesota outscored opponents by an average of 15.7 points per game and regularly held teams under 70 points. The defending champs looked even sharper than their 2011 title campaign, running opponents off the floor with transition buckets, crisp ball movement, and relentless defense. The 10–0 start tied the WNBA record for best season-opening win streak at the time, further solidifying Minnesota as the team to beat. Did they win the championship? No.
11. Las Vegas Aces – 9 games (2023)
In the glittering 2023 season, the Las Vegas Aces put the league on notice with a career-defining 9-game winning streak, their longest run in franchise history since relocating from Tulsa. After storming out of the gate, they carried momentum into a separate 7-game streak in June and followed it up with another 8-game tear in July, showcasing just how unstoppable they were. Anchored by A’ja Wilson, who averaged about 23.8 points and 11.8 rebounds per game in the playoffs and logged an epic 53-point explosion against the Dream in Atlanta, the Aces were more than a powerhouse—they were relentless. Superstar playmaker Chelsea Gray chipped in steady production, while Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum provided consistent perimeter scoring throughout the run. Even without their head coach for a time, Las Vegas maintained its razor focus, cruising through a 34–6 regular season to once again secure the No. 1 seed and the WNBA championship. Did they win the championship? Yes.
11. Minnesota Lynx – 9 games (2025)
Minnesota has also surged to an 8–0 record, matching their best start since the 2016 season—a historic squad that began 11–0. They rank third in scoring (84.9 PPG) and second in defense (allowing just 74.8 PPG) in the Western Conference. A commanding 88–65 victory over the Mercury highlighted Napheesa Collier’s dominance (18 points, 11 rebounds), as well as bench contributions from Natisha Hiedeman (18 points) and Karlie Samuelson (9). To reinforce their frontcourt presence, Minnesota recently signed elite center Maria Kliundikova, signaling their intent to build on this hot start.
13. New York Liberty – 8 games (2025)
The Liberty have stormed out of the gate in 2025, matching the franchise’s best-ever start at 8–0, led by a balanced attack that packs both offensive firepower and defensive discipline. They currently lead the league in scoring (91.1 PPG), defense (allowing just 72.1 PPG), and plus-minus (net rating +23.3)—top marks in WNBA history through eight games. Breanna Stewart fueled their latest win with a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Kennedy Burke has emerged as Sixth Player of the Year material, shooting an impressive 59.3% from three. Even with Jonquel’s ankle injury, their depth remains strong: Natasha Cloud and Burke played major roles in Thursday’s 86–78 win over the Mystics
Winning streaks in the WNBA aren’t just about raw talent—they’re the result of elite culture, sharp coaching, and lineup chemistry built over time. These runs happen when bench players contribute like starters, defensive matchups collapse under pressure, and All-Stars deliver night after night. With the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx both starting the 2025 season 8–0, the league is eyeing history.
If either team matches or surpasses that, they won’t just be hot—they’ll be making a serious case for one of the greatest regular seasons in league history. The Liberty, powered by Ionescu, Stewart, and Jones, currently lead the league in offensive rating, while the Lynx, behind Collier and a revamped defense, rank top-three in net rating and opponent FG%. From the early dominance of the Houston Comets to the recent Las Vegas Aces dynasty, the WNBA has always rewarded teams that sustain pressure and performance. Whether you’re betting futures, playing fantasy, or just glued to the standings, remember: streaks like these aren’t flukes—they’re how legacies are built.