So, for which franchises do players most want to compete? And what do they think about a host of topics around the league, like who is the league’s best player, where should expansion head, who is the face of the league and what issues are important in the next collective bargaining agreement?

SportsLine's Jimmie Kaylor locked in his picks, predictions, props, and WNBA best bets for the Golden State Valkyries vs. Phoenix Mercury game on Monday

WNBA players rated the Phoenix Mercury as the league's best-run franchise, according to a poll conducted by The Athletic. State of play: In the anonymous poll of 39 players from all 13 franchises — no rookies were included to best represent veterans' views — 28.6% of respondents picked the Mercury.

We've reached the All-Star break, which means it's time to check back in with player rankings. If you missed the preseason edition, you can check that out here.

Sabally, now a three-time All-Star, was slated to suit up for the team drafted by Caitlin Clark, one of the two captains for this year's game. Sabally's replacement will be chosen by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who already selected Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride to fill in for the injured Rhyne Howard.

The WNBA did not have an official All-Star Game in 2010, but Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi and some of her teammates played in the Stars At The Sun game.

The major free agent who could change the balance of power among the top three teams is Emma Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP who last played in the league in 2022, when she was an All-Star for the Chicago Sky.

Satou Sabally is ruled out of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game due to injury, with her official replacement confirmed by the league.

The WNBA All-Star Game is this weekend, which gives teams a break. Then, it is right back to work for the Phoenix Mercury.