The WNBA's free agency period has commenced following months of uncertainty about the season, marking an unprecedented period for player movement and compensation. This comes after the league and players' union reached a landmark seven-year collective bargaining agreement that will reshape team finances and player earnings.
The new CBA increases the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, creating the highest spending environment in league history. This financial shift arrives as numerous elite players enter free agency, though many are expected to remain with their current teams.
The first major transaction of free agency saw the Chicago Sky trade All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. The Sky received the Dream's 2027 and 2028 first-round picks in exchange for Reese and the right to swap second-round picks in the 2028 WNBA Draft.
While the free agent pool contains significant star power, several top players have already indicated their intentions to stay put. Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu announced plans to re-sign with the New York Liberty, while A'ja Wilson intends to remain with the Las Vegas Aces.
The Liberty formalized their commitment to Ionescu by extending a core qualifying offer—a fully guaranteed one-year supermax deal reportedly worth $1.4 million under the new CBA. The Minnesota Lynx similarly extended a core qualifying offer to star forward Napheesa Collier ahead of the deadline.
Most veterans strategically aligned their contracts to become free agents in 2026, creating a deep talent pool that could dramatically reshape team rosters this season. This comes as the league prepares for expansion drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire franchises.
Several teams have begun building depth through training camp agreements. The Dallas Wings agreed to terms with Li Yueru and Grace Berger, who served as depth pieces for the Liberty last season. Yueru averaged 6 points and 4.5 rebounds, while Berger averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
The Minnesota Lynx also agreed to terms with Jaylyn Sherrod on a training camp deal. Sherrod signed with the Lynx last season after beginning the year with the New York Liberty.
Free agent movement continues to develop across the league. The New York Liberty have reportedly expressed interest in Alanna Smith, the co-Defensive Player of the Year who spent the last two seasons with Minnesota. Smith averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists last season.
Veteran star Nneka Ogwumike is visiting with the Minnesota Lynx, though the 2016 WNBA MVP has not signed with the team. The 35-year-old is exploring free agency options after two seasons with the Seattle Storm. Last season, Ogwumike played a career-high 44 regular-season games and averaged 18.3 points, 7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.
In Phoenix, it appears Satou Sabally will be a one-and-done for the Mercury. Reports indicate the All-Star forward is not expected to re-sign with the team and is meeting with multiple organizations in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham has signed with a new team—though not as a player. The unrestricted free agent will work as a studio analyst for USA Network this season while continuing her playing career.
According to the WNBA transaction log, the following players received core qualifying offers: Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings), Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty), and Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire). Additional reports indicate Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo), and Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks) also received core qualifying offers.
As free agency continues, teams will navigate the new financial landscape while pursuing both star talent and role players to build competitive rosters under the expanded salary cap.