The WNBA free agency period has commenced with major player movements and significant financial changes following the ratification of a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement. The league's salary cap has dramatically increased from $1.5 million to $7 million, creating unprecedented spending opportunities for teams.
The Las Vegas Aces are finalizing a one-year deal with guard Jackie Young, according to ESPN's Alexa Philippou. The contract is reportedly expected to be worth $1.19 million, the regular maximum for a one-year deal. Young has been a core member of the Aces' three championship teams.
In other Aces news, the team announced they have re-signed reserve forward Kierstan Bell. The 26-year-old has played all four of her WNBA seasons with Las Vegas and was part of all three championship teams. Last season, Bell averaged career highs of 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 35 games.
Veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike is moving on from the Seattle Storm after two seasons. Ogwumike posted a "Thank you Seattle" message on her social media on Thursday, indicating she is signing with another team in free agency. Her final destination remains unknown, though she visited the Minnesota Lynx this week and has received interest from the Los Angeles Sparks according to reports.
The WNBA also formally announced league expansion approval by the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors. Cleveland is set to start play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. All three expansion teams will share owners with their cities' NBA franchises.
In trade activity, the Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun completed a player-for-player swap. The Sun acquired forward Diamond Miller, the second overall draft pick in 2023, while Dallas received center Rayah Marshall, a second-rounder in the 2025 draft who will carry a lower cap hit for the Wings.
The free agency period features numerous elite players, though several stars including Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and A'ja Wilson have already announced their intent to re-sign with their current teams. The Minnesota Lynx extended a core qualifying offer to star Napheesa Collier ahead of the deadline, while the Liberty extended a core qualifying offer to Ionescu—a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth the supermax, reported at $1.4 million under the new CBA.
As free agency continues, teams are positioned to make dramatic roster changes with the increased financial flexibility and the deep talent pool available this season.
