WNBA Free Agency: Tracking the Top 50 Players' Moves for the 2026 Season (2026)

The WNBA's 2026 free agency period is underway, and with it comes a whirlwind of negotiations and potential team shifts. This year's free agency is particularly intriguing as teams must now carry 12 players, up from 11, to guarantee more money for top players. The supermax contract is set at $1.4 million, with a cap of $7 million, compared to $1.5 million last year. The core designation, akin to a franchise tag, gives teams exclusive negotiating rights with a player. Ten players were cored heading into this period, and starting next year, players with more than seven years of service will be ineligible for core designation. Here's a breakdown of the top 50 free agents and their potential destinations, along with commentary and analysis.

1. A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): A four-time MVP and cornerstone of the Aces, Wilson is expected to remain in Las Vegas. Her presence, alongside coach Becky Hammon, has helped the Aces win three of the last four WNBA titles. With Wilson re-signing, the Aces are poised for another title run.
2. Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx): Collier, a focal piece of the Lynx, is likely to stay in Minnesota. Despite missing time due to ankle surgery, her role in the franchise is unlikely to change.
3. Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty): Stewart plans to re-sign with the Liberty, where she joined in 2023. Her decision to stay in New York is a positive sign for the team's future.
4. Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces): Young, a perennial All-Star, is expected to re-sign with the Aces. Her dynamic playmaking and scoring ability make her a key piece for the franchise.
5. Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream): The Dream cored Gray, making her a cornerstone alongside Angel Reese. Her career season in scoring and assists cements her role in the team's rebuilding project.
6. Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury): Thomas, a well-rounded player, is a valuable asset for the Mercury. Her ability to fill up the floor, despite shooting limitations, makes her a key free agent.
7. Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever): Mitchell, a veteran cornerstone, signed a supermax contract with the Fever. Her consistency and impact on the team's winning percentage make her a key player.
8. Jonquel Jones (New York Liberty): Jones, a finals MVP, has a unique skill set that can be accentuated in the right system. Her ability to defend and score makes her a max player.
9. Satou Sabally (Phoenix Mercury): Sabally's future is uncertain, with potential reunions with her sister Nyara or other players. Her versatility and scoring ability make her a sought-after free agent.
10. Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces): The Point Gawd, a clutch shooter and facilitator, is a key target for free agency. Her relationship with Hammon and three titles in Las Vegas make her a likely re-signer.
11. Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks): Plum, a four-time All-Star, is expected to stay in Los Angeles. Her career bests in rebounds and assists, along with her role as a team leader, make her a key player for the Sparks.
12. Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream): Howard, a young star, is finding her role in Atlanta. Her growth and impact on the team's success make her a key player for the Dream.
13. Nneka Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks): Ogwumike, a veteran with a successful title run, is re-signing with the Sparks. Her leadership and impact on the franchise make her a valuable asset.
14. Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury): Copper, a valuable free agent, is happy in Phoenix. Her play alongside Thomas and a stronger cast of supporting players could lead to another finals run.
15. Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty): Ionescu, a 3-point sharpshooter, is expected to re-sign with the Liberty. Her ability to score and playmaking skills make her a key player for the team.
16. Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm): Magbegor, a core player, is a key addition for the Storm. Her development and effective use under new coach Sonia Raman could be part of a new era for the team.
17. Jewell Loyd (Las Vegas Aces): Loyd, a veteran with two titles, is deciding between a featured role in Las Vegas or a different team. Her decision will impact her future role.
18. Alanna Smith (Minnesota Lynx): Smith, a defensive juggernaut, is open to opportunities. Her co-defensive player of the year honors make her a sought-after free agent.
19. Veronica Burton (Golden State Valkyries): Burton, a league's most improved player, found a home with the Valkyries. Her significant career-bests and improved stock make her a valuable free agent.
20. Dearica Hamby (Los Angeles Sparks): Hamby, a strong one-two punch with Plum, is expected to return to Los Angeles. Her best shooting season and strong performance make her a key player.
21. Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings): Ogunbowale, a core player, will sign with the Wings for less than the supermax. Her playmaking and role in the team's success make her a valuable asset.
22. Bri Jones (Atlanta Dream): Jones, a four-time All-Star, is expected to re-sign with the Dream. Her first year in Atlanta and the addition of Angel Reese make her a key player.
23. Shakira Austin (Washington Mystics): Austin's future with the Mystics is uncertain due to the team's direction and GM change. Her potential and health concerns make her a player to watch.
24. Kayla McBride (Minnesota Lynx): McBride, an unsung hero, is a knockdown shooter and a valuable addition to the Lynx. Her age and potential All-Star production make her a key player.
25. Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm): Williams, a league leader in steals, is a versatile and valuable free agent. Her motor and defensive impact make her a high target.
26. Skylar Diggins (Seattle Storm): Diggins, an elite point guard, is still considered one of the league's best. Her ability to distribute and score makes her a key player.
27. Brittney Sykes (Seattle Storm): Sykes, a high-volume shot-creator, is a valuable addition to any team. Her defensive impact and athletic ability make her a key player.
28. Courtney Williams (Minnesota Lynx): Williams, an instrumental part of the Lynx's success, is a key player for the team. Her assist-to-turnover ratio and leadership make her a valuable asset.
29. Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo): Mabrey, a core player, is expected to stay in Toronto. Her performance and potential for improvement make her a key player for the Tempo.
30. Ariel Atkins (Chicago Sky): Atkins, a solid guard defender, is a valuable asset for the Sky. Her 3-point shooting and defensive impact make her a key player.
31. Azurá Stevens (Los Angeles Sparks): Stevens, a skilled offensive big, is a threat from beyond the arc. Her defensive abilities and versatility make her a key player.
32. Naz Hillmon (Atlanta Dream): Hillmon, a player with a motor, is a valuable addition to the Dream. Her development and impact on the team's success make her a key player.
33. Kayla Thornton (Golden State Valkyries): Thornton, a relentless defender, is a key player for the Valkyries. Her energy and defensive impact make her a valuable asset.
34. Emma Meesseman (New York Liberty): Meesseman, a wonderful passer and scorer, is a key player for the Liberty. Her performances with Belgium and potential for improvement make her a valuable asset.
35. Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire): Carleton, a top pick in the expansion draft, is a valuable role player. Her defensive skills and ability to make 3s make her a key player.
36. Tiffany Hayes (Golden State Valkyries): Hayes, a premier driver, is a key player for the Valkyries. Her post-pandemic 3-point shooting and defensive impact make her a valuable asset.
37. NaLyssa Smith (Las Vegas Aces): Smith, a valuable addition to the Aces, is a key player. Her rebounding and defensive impact make her a key asset for the team.
38. DeWanna Bonner (Phoenix Mercury): Bonner, a key player for the Mercury, is expected to remain with the team. Her ability to create shots and defend positions make her a valuable asset.
39. Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun): Charles, a veteran mentor, is a key player for the Sun. Her leadership and scoring ability make her a valuable asset.
40. Natasha Cloud (New York Liberty): Cloud, a defensive stopper, is a key player for the Liberty. Her offensive impact and leadership make her a valuable asset.
41. Jordin Canada (Atlanta Dream): Canada, a fast guard, is a key player for the Dream. Her playmaking and disruptive ability make her a valuable asset.
42. DiJonai Carrington (Minnesota Lynx): Carrington, an above-average wing stopper, is a key player for the Lynx. Her transition skills and passing ability make her a valuable asset.
43. Jessica Shepard (Minnesota Lynx): Shepard, a quality backup big, is a key player for the Lynx. Her rebounding and passing ability make her a valuable asset.
44. Sophie Cunningham (Indiana Fever): Cunningham, a useful 3-and-D player, is a key player for the Fever. Her health and potential for improvement make her a valuable asset.
45. Temi Fágbénlé (Golden State Valkyries): Fágbénlé, a versatile defender, is a key player for the Valkyries. Her rim-running and defensive skills make her a valuable asset.
46. Brittney Griner (Atlanta Dream): Griner, a key player for the Dream, is expected to sign with the Connecticut Sun. Her size and scoring touch make her a valuable asset.
47. Natasha Howard (Indiana Fever): Howard, a three-time champion, is a key player for the Fever. Her athletic force and scoring ability make her a valuable asset.
48. Monique Billings (Golden State Valkyries): Billings, an ideal bench big, is a key player for the Valkyries. Her athleticism and defensive impact make her a valuable asset.
49. Erica Wheeler (Seattle Storm): Wheeler, an offensive punch, is a key player for the Storm. Her energy and defensive impact make her a valuable asset.
50. Sami Whitcomb (Phoenix Mercury): Whitcomb, a beloved teammate, is a key player for the Mercury. Her 3-point shooting and leadership make her a valuable asset.