WNBA Championship Betting Trends: Loyd-Plum Trade Shakes Up Odds

A blockbuster three-team trade in the WNBA has sent shockwaves across the league, significantly impacting championship odds. Late Sunday night, Jewell Loyd was traded to the Las Vegas Aces, Kelsey Plum was sent to the Los Angeles Sparks, and the Seattle Storm acquired the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft. Here’s how the trade has shifted the betting landscape at BetMGM.

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Line Movement: Aces, Sparks, and Storm Adjustments

The championship odds for the affected teams saw immediate adjustments following the trade:

• Las Vegas Aces: Improved from +280 to +250, solidifying their position as one of the top favorites for the title with the addition of Jewell Loyd.
• Los Angeles Sparks: Dramatically shortened from +12500 to +3500, indicating newfound confidence in their championship aspirations with Kelsey Plum joining their roster.
• Seattle Storm: Dropped from +1400 to +4000, reflecting a rebuilding phase after losing Jewell Loyd but gaining a valuable draft pick.

Highest Ticket Percentage (Teams with Most Bets)

• Indiana Fever: Lead with a massive 44.4% of tickets, showing strong public belief in Caitlin Clark and their chances despite their long-shot odds.
• Las Vegas Aces: Account for 10.2% of tickets, with bettors confident in their stacked roster.
• New York Liberty: Garner 8.9% of tickets, maintaining their status as a strong contender.

Highest Handle Percentage (Teams with Most Money Bet)

• Indiana Fever: Dominate the handle with 63.3%, suggesting larger wagers are being placed on them.
• Las Vegas Aces: Follow with 8.3%, backed by their championship pedigree.
• Minnesota Lynx: Secure 7.5% of the handle, reflecting confidence in their ability to contend.

Biggest Liabilities for BetMGM

BetMGM has significant liability on the following teams, posing the biggest potential payouts:

1. Indiana Fever: With the highest ticket and handle percentages, the Fever is the sportsbook’s biggest risk.
2. Los Angeles Sparks: After acquiring Kelsey Plum, the line movement has brought renewed interest in their odds.
3. Chicago Sky Remains a liability due to steady bets on their championship chances.

What This Means for Bettors

The recent trade has reshaped the WNBA championship market, presenting opportunities for value betting:

• The Las Vegas Aces remain a top contender, but they are now even stronger with Jewell Loyd in their lineup.
• The Los Angeles Sparks have become a dark horse worth watching, with Kelsey Plum potentially sparking their playoff push.
• Bettors interested in long-shot odds might find the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm intriguing, though risks remain high.

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Whether backing a favorite like the Aces or taking a chance on a revamped Sparks squad, this trade has opened up fresh betting opportunities for fans and bettors alike.