The WNBA tips off its 25th season on Friday night when the New York Liberty host the Indiana Fever. After spending last season in “the Wubble” at IMG Academy in Florida, the teams are back at their home arenas and geared for an exciting season filled with celebrations and innovations.

New this season is the H.E.R. Uniform System, featuring three unique designs. Each team’s Heroine, Explorer and Rebel editions incorporate the history of the city and the team while being more form-fitting to the women athletes. The comfort and style of the new uniforms are a big hit with the players and fans.

Photo courtesy of Chicago Sky – WNBA.

One of the initiatives is the W25, to honor the league’s all-time greatest players based on playing performance, leadership, sportsmanship and community service, as well as contributions to team success and overall growth of women’s basketball. Fans will also be able to vote for their favorite players.

The 25 Greatest Moments will be determined during the season. The top 25 will be unveiled one at a time later in the season, with the No. 1 moment announced during the playoffs.

The WNBA also established an advisory council. Comprised of basketball pioneers and WNBA legends, the council’s mission is to present and discuss ideas to grow the game.

Initiated last season, the WNBA Justice Movement continues working to create social change. Significant to the 25th season, the Justice Movement celebrates the league’s history of advocacy.

Photo courtesy WNBA.

On the court, the league looks to be more competitive than ever. I agree with Las Vegas Aces coach Bill Laimbeer who stated six to eight teams legitimately can challenge for the title this season. Last year, Laimbeer’s Aces lost to the Seattle Storm in the WNBA championship series.

While the Aces and Storm are the favorites to make the championship series again, I am predicting my Chicago Sky to win the title. This isn’t hometown bias. The Sky finished in first place in the Eastern Conference last season and added future Hall of Famer and Chicago native Candace Parker to an already stacked team.

Photo courtesy Seattle Storm – WNBA.

The WNBA has come a long way in 25 years, and it is poised to have a big season. I’ll be watching the season opener and other games on television, but I am really looking forward to seeing the Sky for their first home game May 23.

— John Wroblewski, online writer