This guide shows how to build WNBA lineups with the free WNBA lineup optimizer. The WNBA optimizer is for DraftKings. It builds classic and showdown lineups. If you are new to the optimizer, read the lineup optimizer guide for every sport first.
Slates show in the optimizer when DraftKings posts salaries. In the offseason, the pool shows "No WNBA slate in the next 7 days."
WNBA Roster Rules
| Game type | Salary cap | Roster |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings classic | $50,000 | G, G, F, F, F, UTIL from at least 2 games |
| DraftKings showdown | $50,000 | 1 CPT and 5 FLEX from one game |
The slate sets the game type. Select the date, then select the slate. A showdown slate gives you the CPT slot.
Cash or GPP
Select "Cash" for head-to-head and 50/50 contests. Select "GPP" for tournaments. Then select the number of lineups.
WNBA has no presets. Use "Custom" in "Advanced Settings".
The Lineup Tab
On the "Lineup" tab, set "Unique Players" and "Randomness" for multi-lineup builds. Set "Scoring" to "Ceiling" for tournaments. "Flex Positions" sets which positions can fill the UTIL slot.
A WNBA roster has six slots. Small rosters make lineups look alike. For 20 lineups, set "Unique Players" to 2 so each lineup differs by at least two players.
Showdown Settings
On a showdown slate, the showdown settings have these controls:
- "Max Player Exposure %" caps the share of lineups for one player.
- "Max CPT Exposure %" caps the share of lineups with one player at CPT.
- "Require Both Teams" makes each lineup use players from both teams.
- "GPP Ownership Penalty" lowers the value of popular players in tournaments.
- "Field Size" tells the optimizer how big your contest is.
- "Max Est. Dupes" limits lineups that other players are likely to have too.
The CPT costs 1.5 times the salary and scores 1.5 times the points. In a large field, set a low "Max CPT Exposure %". Your captains then spread across more players.
Minutes Matter Most
WNBA teams use short rotations. A player who moves into the starting five can gain many minutes. Check the injury news before lock. Then update your locks and excludes and build again. The WNBA optimizer has no Late Swap, so make your changes before the first game starts.
How WNBA Players Score Together
Correlation shows how closely two players' DraftKings points rise and fall together. We measured it on about 650 WNBA games.
| Pair | Correlation |
|---|---|
| Teammates | -0.06 |
| Two forwards on the same team, 20+ minutes each | -0.07 |
| A forward and a center on the same team, 20+ minutes each | -0.09 |
| Players on opposite teams | 0.01 |
| A player and her game's total points, minus her own points | -0.12 |
WNBA teammates do not score together. The values are near zero or a little negative, because teammates share the same shots and rebounds. Minutes drive scoring. A bench player who gets a starter's minutes is the biggest edge in WNBA.
WNBA Strategy by Contest Type
- Cash: stay in "Cash" mode and build one lineup with the most certain minutes.
- Tournaments: click "GPP" and set "Scoring" to "Ceiling". Do not force teammates together.
- Small slates make many lineups look the same. Set "Unique Players" to 2 or 3, and use one lower-owned player to make each lineup different.
- On showdown, set "Max CPT Exposure %" so that your captains spread across more players.
- Check the injury news until lock. The WNBA optimizer has no Late Swap.
A Simple WNBA Plan
- Select the slate. Confirm that it is classic or showdown.
- Lock or exclude two players to meet the DraftKings rule.
- For tournaments, click "GPP" and set "Unique Players" to 2.
- On showdown, set "Max CPT Exposure %" before you build.
See the numbers on the WNBA DFS projections page. Then go back to the lineup optimizer guide hub for the other sports.
DFS contests use real money. Only play what you can afford to lose. 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.