WNBA Free Agency Is Already Bringing the Drama—and It’s Only the Beginning
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The WNBA season is coming up fast, and there’s a lot that’s been happening during the free agency period—starting with a new collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players, which makes contract possibilities much more lucrative this season in particular. Several big names have already shifted around, which could have huge implications for teams this season.
The 2026 WNBA Draft happens on April 13, and preseason games kick off on April 25, making now go-time for teams to figure out what’s next for the season ahead. But plenty of big moves have already taken place.
Here’s what you need to know about the WNBA free agency period, plus what it all means.
First, there are important WNBA free agency terms to know.
You’ll hear a lot of terms thrown around to describe an athlete’s status during this time, and it’s important to understand what they mean. These are the big ones you may hear, per the WNBA:
- Unrestricted free agent: This is a player that can enter into negotiations with any team without any issue.
- Restricted free agent: This is a player with four years under their belt whose contact has expired who receives a “qualifying offer” from their current team. (This is basically a one-year deal that allows the team the chance to match any offer the player gets from another team.)
- Core player: A core player is someone who gets a Core Qualifying Offer, which is a one-year deal on the maximum base salary available to players. A player who has been given a Core Qualifying Offer can only sign or negotiate with that team during the free agency period, although the team and player can still negotiate to move the player elsewhere through a trade if they both wish.
- Reserved player:This is any player within three years of playing time or less who has received a Reserved Qualifying Offer. That subjects the player to the team’s exclusive negotiating rights.
What’s happening during the free agency period?
A lot, actually. Here’s a breakdown of the major changes that have gotten buzz.
Angel Reese was traded to Atlanta.
Fans were pretty shocked when Angel Reese was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream after two seasons with the team. Angel’s time there was a little sticky—she was suspended after she publicly criticized the franchise, for starters. Angel also spoke out after coach Teresa Weatherspoon was fired, writing on X that she was “heartbroken” by the move. Angel later wrote on Instagram that her move to Atlanta was “an Angel’s dream.”
The Dream are also reportedly signing current stars Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, and Naz Hillmon to multi-year deals, making this team real contenders for the upcoming season.
Jackie Young got the first $1 million WNBA contract ever.
WNBA salaries have historically not been great. But the league and players’ union just reached a new CBA that opened up salaries and benefits for players.
The Las Vegas Aces responded by reportedly offering two-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Young a $1.19 million contract. The agreement is being finalized, according to ESPN.
Since then, it’s been reported that Kelsey Mitchell is expected to sign a $1.4 million supermax contract with the Indiana Fever. Arike Ogunbowale will also sign a seven-figure multi-year contract with the Dallas Wings, though ESPN reports she’ll take less than the supermax in order to open up more cap space for the Wings to build around her.
Nneka Ogwumike is returning to the Los Angeles Sparks.
The rumors about where unrestricted free agent and players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike might land were flying earlier this week when a balloon company shared their “WELCOME NNEKA” display made for…the Minnesota Lynx. “my fyp is getting a little too personal,” Nneka joked on Instagram.
Apparently that was just a quick visit, because Nneka later announced that she’ll actually be heading back to the Sparks. She spent her first 12 seasons in L.A., and now the 10-time WNBA All-star is headed back after spending two seasons with the Seattle Storm. “It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon…,” Nneka wrote on Instagram.
Rickea Jackson may be traded.
The Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks are reportedly discussing a trade to ship Ariel Atkins to the Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson to Chicago Sky, per Front Office Sports Reporter Annie Costabile. “While nothing is finalized, an announcement is expected Saturday,” Costabile wrote on X.
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