Get ready for a shake-up! The WNBA landscape is on the brink of a historic overhaul in 2026, as nearly every star player is slated for free agency. With a new CBA on the horizon and expansion teams joining the fold, the league is bracing for a monumental player movement that could redefine championship contenders.
The WNBA is on the cusp of a truly transformative offseason as the winter of 2026 approaches. An unprecedented number of players, exceeding 100, are set to become free agents. This significant shift is primarily a consequence of ongoing negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association (WNBPA).
Most players strategically avoided signing contracts beyond the 2025 season, anticipating potentially higher salaries and improved conditions under a new CBA. Currently, only Lexie Brown (Seattle Storm) and Kalani Brown (Phoenix Mercury) are signed through 2025, excluding those on rookie-scale contracts, as reported by USA Today Sports. This means a vast majority of the league’s talent, including its most prominent stars, will have the opportunity to choose their next destination.
The CBA negotiations are not just about individual contracts; they represent a critical juncture for the league’s financial future. Players have consistently advocated for increased revenue sharing and more robust salary structures. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver himself acknowledged that WNBA players deserve a “big increase” in pay, although he noted that direct “share isn’t the right way to look at it because there’s so much more revenue in the NBA.” In response, the WNBPA has denounced the league’s proposed “fixed salary system and a separate revenue-sharing plan that only includes a piece of a piece of the pie,” indicating a significant divide in negotiations, according to Yahoo Sports.
Adding another layer of complexity and excitement to this impending free agency period are the WNBA’s newest franchises, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. Their expansion drafts must occur before free agency begins, and both are contingent on a new CBA being signed. These teams will undoubtedly seek to build their rosters with established talent from this historic free agent class, potentially shifting the competitive balance of the league.
The Top Tier: Unrestricted Free Agents Expected to Dominate the Market
With so many elite players entering free agency, the 2026 offseason promises a dramatic realignment of talent. Teams will vie for the signatures of perennial All-Stars, MVPs, and championship-proven veterans. Here’s a look at some of the most influential players poised to redefine their careers and reshape the WNBA, listed in order of their average points scored in 2025:
- A’ja Wilson, C, Las Vegas Aces
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 23.4, REB: 10.2, AST: 3.1, STL: 1.6
- Wilson’s 2025 season was nothing short of historic. She led the Aces to their third title in four years and became the first player in WNBA and NBA history to secure MVP (her fourth), Defensive Player of the Year (third), Finals MVP (second), and a scoring title (second) in a single season. Her dominant performance, including 28.5 points and 11.7 rebounds in the Finals, makes her the most coveted free agent, capable of instantly elevating any team to championship contention.
- Napheesa Collier, F, Minnesota Lynx
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 22.9, REB: 7.3, AST: 3.2, STL: 1.6
- Collier continued her elite play, finishing as MVP runner-up for the second consecutive year. She achieved career highs in points (22.9), field goal percentage (53.1%), free throw percentage (90.6%), and blocks (1.6). Joining Elena Delle Donne in the exclusive 50-40-90 club, Collier proved her all-around efficiency despite ending her season with a Grade 2 ligament tear in her left ankle during the playoffs.
- Kelsey Mitchell, G, Indiana Fever
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 20.2, REB: 1.8, AST: 3.4, STL: 0.9
- Mitchell had her best career season, averaging 20.2 points and leading the WNBA with 111 three-pointers made at a 39.4% clip. She was instrumental in leading the Fever to their first playoff series win since 2015, earning a first-team All-WNBA selection and finishing fifth in MVP voting, despite key injuries to her team, including Caitlin Clark’s limited season.
- Kelsey Plum, G, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 19.5, REB: 3.1, AST: 5.7, STL: 1.2
- After requesting a trade from Las Vegas, Plum thrived with the Sparks, earning an All-Star nod. She improved her scoring to 19.5 points per game and led the league in minutes (1,508), setting career highs in rebounds, assists, and steals. Her leadership potential was unlocked in Los Angeles, making her a significant target in free agency.
- Dearica Hamby, F, Los Angeles Sparks
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 18.4, REB: 7.9, AST: 3.3, STL: 1.6
- Hamby enjoyed her best offensive season in 2025, with career highs in points (18.4), field-goal percentage (57.2%), and starts (44). Her 811 regular season points ranked fourth in the league, earning her a ninth-place finish in MVP voting. While her free-throw percentage dipped slightly, her overall offensive leap makes her a valuable veteran commodity.
- Allisha Gray, G, Atlanta Dream
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 18.4, REB: 5.3, AST: 3.5, STL: 1.1
- Gray was instrumental in the Atlanta Dream’s historic 30-win season, leading the team in scoring with a career-high 18.4 points per game. She earned her third consecutive All-Star bid and was named first-team All-WNBA, finishing fourth in MVP voting and third in Most Improved Player voting. Her clutch double-double in a playoff elimination game highlights her high-pressure capabilities.
- Breanna Stewart, F, New York Liberty
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 18.3, REB: 6.5, AST: 3.5, STL: 1.4
- Coming off a 2024 WNBA championship, Stewart’s 2025 season was hampered by injuries, limiting her to 31 games. Despite playing through a bone bruise and an MCL sprain, she averaged 18.3 points, her lowest since her rookie year. As a former MVP and W25 honoree, her health and potential return to peak form will be closely watched.
- Nneka Ogwumike, F, Seattle Storm
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 18.3, REB: 7.0, AST: 2.3, STL: 1.1
- A member of “The W25” and the 2016 WNBA MVP, Ogwumike earned her third consecutive All-WNBA second-team nod and 10th All-Star selection in 2025. At 35, she became only the sixth WNBA player to reach 7,000 career points while maintaining over 50% field goal shooting, showing remarkable longevity and efficiency.
- Sabrina Ionescu, G, New York Liberty
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 18.2, REB: 4.9, AST: 5.7, STL: 1.3
- Ionescu secured her fourth consecutive All-Star selection and All-WNBA second-team nod. Despite a dip in three-point percentage, she led the league in free throw percentage (93.3%) and ranked ninth in total three-pointers made. Her all-around offensive game and clutch play make her a cornerstone asset for any franchise.
- Rhyne Howard, G, Atlanta Dream
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 17.5, REB: 4.5, AST: 4.6, STL: 1.5
- Howard earned her third All-Star nod in four seasons, tying her career-high in scoring. Despite missing 10 games, she led the league in three-pointers made per game (3.1) and became the first WNBA player to record six threes and six blocks in a single game. Her offensive firepower and defensive recognition (All-Defensive second team) make her a rising star in free agency.
- Jackie Young, G, Las Vegas Aces
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 16.5, REB: 4.5, AST: 5.1, STL: 1.3
- The 2022 Most Improved Player, Young was crucial to the Aces’ third championship, dropping a game-high 32 points in the Finals. She picked up her fourth consecutive All-Star nod and was named second-team All-WNBA. Her consistent improvement and championship experience make her an invaluable piece in free agency.
- Satou Sabally, F, Phoenix Mercury
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 16.3, REB: 5.9, AST: 2.5, STL: 1.3
- Sabally’s arrival in Phoenix, alongside Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, revitalized the Mercury, leading them to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2021. She led the team in regular season scoring (16.3 ppg) and elevated her postseason average to 19.0 points, earning her third All-Star nod.
- Tina Charles, C, Connecticut Sun
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 16.3, REB: 5.8, AST: 1.7, STL: 0.8
- A “W25” honoree and the league’s second all-time leading scorer (8,396 points, trailing only Diana Taurasi), Charles continued to produce at 36. She led the Sun in scoring and extended her WNBA record to 201 career double-doubles, proving her enduring impact despite her team’s challenging season.
- Kahleah Copper, G, Phoenix Mercury
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 15.6, REB: 2.9, AST: 1.5, STL: 1.1
- As one of the few returning players to the Mercury, Copper formed a new “Big 3” and was pivotal in their WNBA Finals run. She improved her three-point percentage significantly to 37.7% and elevated her postseason scoring to 17.8 points, showcasing her ability to perform in high-stakes environments.
- Arike Ogunbowale, G, Dallas Wings
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 15.5, REB: 2.5, AST: 4.1, STL: 1.3
- Ogunbowale endured a challenging 2025 season, limited to 29 games due to injuries and recording career lows in points, field-goal, and three-point percentages. Despite the Wings’ struggles, her past scoring prowess and ability to carry an offense make her a high-upside free agent looking to bounce back.
- Skylar Diggins, G, Seattle Storm
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 15.5, REB: 2.5, AST: 6.0, STL: 1.2
- Diggins led the Storm in assists per game (6.0), ranking fifth in the league overall. She also improved her three-point percentage to 36.5% and recorded a career-high 62 made three-pointers, earning her seventh WNBA All-Star nod. Her playmaking and improved shooting make her a versatile and experienced guard option.
- Alyssa Thomas, F, Phoenix Mercury
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 15.4, REB: 8.8, AST: 9.2, STL: 1.6
- In her first season with the Mercury, Thomas was a triple-double machine, setting a WNBA regular-season record with eight, and adding two more in the playoffs. She led the league in assists (9.2 ppg, 357 total) and ranked third in rebounds (8.8 ppg), earning first-team All-WNBA and All-Defensive honors and finishing third in MVP voting.
- Marina Mabrey, G, Connecticut Sun
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 14.4, REB: 4.2, AST: 4.0, STL: 0.7
- Despite missing nine games due to injury, Mabrey led the Sun in assists (4.0 ppg) and recorded her second-highest scoring average (14.4 ppg). Having been denied a trade request in 2025, she will now have full control over her future as an unrestricted free agent.
- Kayla McBride, G, Minnesota Lynx
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 14.2, REB: 2.3, AST: 3.5, STL: 1.3
- McBride earned her fifth All-Star selection and was a key contributor to the Minnesota Lynx’s league-best 34-10 record. She ranked second in the league with 103 three-pointers made and made history by knocking down eight three-pointers on perfect 100% field goal shooting, solidifying her reputation as a premier shooter.
- Brittney Sykes, G, Seattle Storm
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 14.1, REB: 3.2, AST: 4.0, STL: 1.2
- Sykes earned her first All-Star nod with the Mystics before a mid-season trade to the Storm. She set a career high in assists per game (4.0) and ranked fourth in the league with 171 made free throws. Her defensive intensity and playmaking make her a valuable two-way guard.
- Kayla Thornton, F, Golden State Valkyries
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 14.0, REB: 7.0, AST: 1.5, STL: 1.3
- Thornton’s season with the expansion Valkyries was a breakout story, transforming from a role player to her team’s primary option, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and steals. She earned her first All-Star nod, becoming the first player from a first-year team to do so since 2006, before an unfortunate knee injury ended her season prematurely.
- Jonquel Jones, C, New York Liberty
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 13.6, REB: 8.1, AST: 2.7, STL: 0.5
- The 2021 MVP’s season was also affected by injuries, limiting her to 31 games. Despite this, Jones averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds (seventh in the league), recording 12 double-doubles. Her subsequent ankle surgery underscores the physical demands on WNBA stars.
- Courtney Williams, G, Minnesota Lynx
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 13.6, REB: 4.9, AST: 6.2, STL: 1.3
- Williams, known for her midrange game, ranked second in total assists (271) and third in assists per game (6.2). She posted her highest scoring average since 2021 and set a career high with 58 three-pointers made, at an impressive 38.9%. Her second All-Star selection highlights her continued evolution.
- Emma Meesseman, F, New York Liberty
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 13.4, REB: 5.1, AST: 3.2, STL: 1.2
- The 2019 WNBA Finals MVP returned to the league in 2025 as a midseason addition for the Liberty, averaging 13.4 points in 17 games, her highest mark since 2017. Her proven championship pedigree and versatility make her an attractive option for teams looking for veteran leadership.
- Ariel Atkins, G, Chicago Sky
- 2025 Stats: PTS: 13.1, REB: 3.4, AST: 3.6, STL: 1.6
- Despite missing 10 games due to injuries, Atkins averaged 13.1 points on a career-high 44.4% field goal shooting. She led the struggling Sky in both assists (3.6 ppg) and steals (1.6), demonstrating her two-way impact even on a challenging team.
The Historical Context and Future Implications
The significance of the 2026 free agency class extends beyond individual player movements. It intertwines with the league’s growing prominence and the ongoing fight for player recognition and compensation. The WNBA has a rich history of influential athletes, as recognized by “The W25” in 2021, a group that celebrated the 25 greatest and most impactful players in league history. Many players from that list, like Elena Delle Donne, Nneka Ogwumike, Breanna Stewart, and Tina Charles, continue to shape the league’s narrative and are directly affected by these CBA negotiations.
The collective bargaining efforts are a testament to the player empowerment movement within women’s sports. As the league continues to grow its audience and revenue, the players are advocating for their fair share, ensuring that their on-court excellence translates into equitable professional opportunities. This mass exodus into free agency is a calculated move, designed to maximize player leverage and secure a more financially rewarding future for all WNBA athletes.
For fans, the 2026 offseason promises an unparalleled level of excitement and anticipation. The prospect of established stars joining forces to create new “superteams” or veteran leaders guiding the nascent expansion franchises like the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire could drastically alter the competitive landscape. Every roster will be under scrutiny, every signing will be analyzed, and the league could emerge with a completely new power structure, fueling fan discussions and speculation for years to come.
The coming months will be crucial as the WNBA and WNBPA work towards a new CBA. The outcome will not only determine the financial future for hundreds of athletes but will also set the stage for one of the most dynamic and unpredictable free agency periods in professional sports history.
