2026 WNBA free agency: Key dates, best players available, offseason decisions

The 2026 offseason is the biggest and most important offseason in WNBA history. A lockout was avoided when a new CBA was agreed to. That will drastically increase the salary cap, as well as the minimum and maximum player salaries. Furthermore, two expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, have joined the fold and already selected their new players from the expansion draft. This all comes ahead of a monumental 30th season and at a time when the popularity of women’s basketball has never been greater.

The bulk of the offseason hasn’t even happened yet, though, despite the fact that regular-season play is just over a month away. This is the biggest free-agent class ever, with over 100 players, including some of the league’s biggest megastars, set to hit the open market. The WNBA Draft is just around the corner and includes some great talents, including 6-foot-7 national champion Lauren Betts.

Next up on the WNBA calendar is free agency, and the blockbuster trade of Angel Reese sort of kicked off what is likely to be a mad scramble of player movement over the coming days. So, who are the best WNBA free agents, and what can be expected from free agency?

Key WNBA offseason dates remaining

April 3: WNBA Expansion Draft

The Fire and the Tempo built their respective rosters through the expansion draft on April 3. Both teams were able to draft players left unprotected by the 13 preexisting franchises. Bridget Carleton, formerly of the Minnesota Lynx, was picked first by Portland. Toronto added Julie Allemand from the Los Angeles Sparks with their first choice.

April 6-7: Designation Period 

During the Designation Period, teams must send out any qualifying offers and Core Player designations they plan on using. Qualifying offers are one-year contracts extended to restricted free agents with four years of service that allow a team to retain the right of first refusal, meaning they can match any contract agreed to elsewhere in order to retain their player. Core Player designations are similar to the NFL’s franchise tag and allow teams to prevent their best players from hitting the open market as unrestricted free agents at the cost of a one-year, super-max contract.

April 8-10: Negotiation Period

During the negotiation period, teams will officially be able to work out deals with external free agents. While this is the biggest free agent class ever, a lot of the best players are expected to return to their old teams.

April 11: Signing day

Free agent contracts can’t be made official until April 11. Typically, WNBA free agency commences in January, but the delayed offseason due to labor negotiations has it slated just before the start of the season.

April 13: 2026 WNBA Draft

The 2026 NCAA Tournament just wrapped up, and some of the best WNBA prospects were able to showcase their skill sets just in time for the WNBA Draft. All 15 teams will partake in a three-round selection process to add the best college players and draft-eligible international stars to their roster. In all likelihood, Azzi Fudd or Awa Fam will go first overall to the Dallas Wings.

Best WNBA free agents

10. Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm, F

Nneka Ogwumike isn’t the player she was when she was named MVP back in 2016, but she is still one of the best players in the WNBA. Her 18.3 points per game was still a top 10 mark in the league. Ogwumike already has 10 All-Star nods to her name, and she hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down.

9. Jonquel Jones, New York Liberty, C

Since winning the MVP award in 2021, Jonquel Jones’ production has regressed. That is largely because Jones has had to sacrifice in the usage department for the betterment of her team since joining the New York Liberty. Her unselfishness resulted in a championship in 2024. Perhaps Jones will leave the Liberty and return to taking on a bigger role.

8. Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks, G

Kelsey Plum was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks ahead of last season, and she was given the chance to operate as the top option. Plum thrived in an increased role, as she finished the season top five in both scoring (19.5 points per game) and passing (5.7 assists per game). However, she might have been just a rental for Los Angeles, as Plum is now set to hit free agency.

7. Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces, G

The Las Vegas Aces have won three of the last four WNBA Finals. The team’s sustained success will be tested during free agency, as two of their best players are hitting the open market. The first priority will be retaining A’ja Wilson, which could make retaining Jackie Young difficult. However, after trading Plum not long ago, losing another star guard could be detrimental.

6. Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever, G

Caitlin Clark is the big-name star that first comes to mind when fans think of the Indiana Fever. However, with Clark struggling with injuries last year, Kelsey Mitchell stepped up in a big way, even leading the Fever to the postseason semi-finals. Mitchell has been underrated while making three-straight All-Star Games, but last season was her true breakout campaign. Mitchell finished fifth in MVP voting after scoring 20.2 points per game.

5. Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty, G

Sabrina Ionescu, known for her 3-point shooting, had a down season from deep last year. Ionescu made just 29.9% of her deep shots, but she performed well in every other facet of the game, and the expectation is that she will rediscover her shooting stroke. Despite the rough year, Ionescu is still the best free agent guard. However, it has already been reported that she will almost surely return to the New York Liberty.

4. Alyssa Thomas, Phoenix Mercury, F

Alyssa Thomas is one of the most versatile players in the WNBA. She has led the league in steals, rebounds, and now, after her first season with the Phoenix Mercury, in assists, too. She does so much offensively while maintaining an ability as one of the best defensive players in the league. Her all-around skill set would fit well on a number of teams around the league.

3. Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty, F

From a statistical perspective, last season was the worst of Breanna Stewart’s career, and the Liberty lost in the first round of the WNBA playoffs because of it. However, the two-time MVP played the whole season banged up. The former first overall pick has plenty left in the tank, and she has already confirmed an inevitable return to New York.

2. Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx, F

A number of injuries limited Napheesa Collier last season, and offseason surgery will keep her out for the start of the 2026 season. Even so, Collier is one of the best players in the league, evidenced by back-to-back second-placed finishes in MVP voting. The Minnesota Lynx can’t afford to lose their megastar.

1. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces, F

A’ja Wilson continues to soar up the board of the all-time WNBA player rankings. Last year, the best player currently in the league added a third championship, a third Defensive Player of the Year nod, and a fourth MVP to her resume. Wilson led the WNBA in both scoring and blocks last season, proving she is arguably the best player on either side of the floor. Wilson has already confirmed intent to return to the Aces. If she left the team as a free agent, it would be the biggest transaction in WNBA history.

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