WNBA picks, bold predictions and the biggest questions for the 2023 season - ESPN

One of the most hyped WNBA seasons in some time is upon us, as the 2023 campaign kicks off Friday with eight teams taking the floor, while the other four make their debut in a pair of games Saturday.

Brittney Griner is back with the Phoenix Mercury following her wrongful detainment in Russia. And two superteams are expected to duke it out for the title: the defending champion Las Vegas Aces — who could become the first team to repeat since the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001-02 — and the new-look New York Liberty — who acquired two former MVPs in the offseason and are hoping to win the franchise's first title.

But don't count out the likes of the Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics, who have both been regular championship contenders the past few years, or squads like the Sparks and Dallas Wings, who are expected to make impressive stands with new coaches.

This season will look different: Legends Sylvia Fowles and Sue Bird have retired. Skylar Diggins-Smith is out on maternity leave, while Tina Charles remains an unrostered free agent. Just when fans got used to seeing Candace Parker in a Chicago Sky uniform, the two-time MVP and league champion signed with the Aces. Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot and Jonquel Jones had all played for one franchise prior to moving to the Liberty this offseason.

As the league enters its 27th season, buckle up for a summer of superstardom, intrigue, surprises and great basketball. Before the season tips, ESPN's Kevin Pelton, Alexa Philippou and M.A. Voepel discuss what to expect, ESPN's women's fantasy basketball crew adds some insight and all the experts make their predictions on how the season pans out and which team will win the 2023 crown.

Pelton: Connecticut Sun. We've already seen