From sophisticated and customised orange-carpet looks to the dramatic rookie entries, and not to forget the inauguration of a whole new pro team, what a fabulous close to the Draft in The Shed earlier this week! Meanwhile, the WNBA season has just begun. As the rookies are inducted into their respective teams, they will soon join the coaches and fellow players at the WNBA training camp, where they gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses as they try to secure a spot on the final roster.

When did the 2025 WNBA training camp start?

This month marks the period when all 13 WNBA teams will begin preparing for the upcoming regular season. The 2025 WNBA training camp will officially begin on April 27, 2025. The date falls shortly after the WNBA Draft took place on April 14, 2025. This will allow the newly drafted players to report to camp, where they are expected to grind and work passionately towards improving their skills ahead of the regular season. Moreover, it is a critical time for coaches as well, who need to be consistent in evaluating young and existing talent and strive towards building a tight team chemistry, as these are the factors that will determine the final team rosters when the training ends. Who said impressing coaches was that easy?

How long does WNBA training camp last?

The WNBA training camp typically lasts for about two to three weeks. This year, the training camp is expected to run from April 27 to around May 15. The training will supposedly come to a close just before the season opener on May 16. This training duration is a great time for players to bond and work on all aspects of their gameplay. It also gives rookies an opportunity to align with the strategies and gameplay of their respective teams. The camp is equally crucial for the teams in terms of scrimmages, practices, and roster cuts. The head coaches get to spend ample time with their team, assess their skills, and their playmaking abilities through intense drills before making the roster cuts. The camp usually ends with teams finalising their 12-player rosters for the regular season.

What do WNBA players do during training camp?

During the training camp, players participate in intense practice sessions, conditioning drills, and team meetings. On the other hand, it is a great way for new rookies to interact with their respective team veterans and learn team systems, culture, and strategies. The players undergo a lot of drills and training where they realise one’s true potential skills and get a clear idea on what aspects of the game to work upon. In fact, several scrimmages and exhibition games are held by each team to assess player performance. Here, the coaches closely evaluate individual skills, fitness levels, and how, or whether, rookie players fit into the team’s playing style. Sometimes, rookies are also trained to face the media as part of their training sessions. It is here that they learn how to sit for conferences and provide interviews during their time at the camp. 

Why is WNBA training camp important for teams and players?

The training camp is equally important for teams and players as it sets the tone for the entire WNBA season. The time spent at the camp helps coaches determine starting lineups and key rotations. It is a crucial time for players, especially undrafted rookies and free agents, to showcase their abilities in the most presentable and convincing manner possible as they compete against the existing players for limited roster spots. Besides all of this, the activities designed for players serve as ice-breaking sessions, strengthening team chemistry, building leadership, and fostering player development before the competitive season begins in mid-May.