2026 WNBA free company has arrived, and a lot of core designations have been prolonged to high stars within the league. It is the calm earlier than the storm, and the chaos has but to transpire.
On Tuesday, groups despatched qualifying affords and core designations to pick gamers. At this time marks the official day when free brokers can negotiate with their desired groups. There are over 100 gamers set to grow to be free brokers, 77 of whom are unrestricted, which implies veteran gamers can signal with any group with out restrictions. A number of gamers are anticipated to money in following the utmost wage enhance to $1.4 million and the WNBA wage cap rising to $7 million.
Because the gamers‘ union and WNBA agreed to a historic six-year collective bargaining settlement, almost each participant will grow to be a free agent, barring Kahlani Brown (Phoenix Mercury), Lexie Brown (Seattle Storm), and a slew of gamers who’re at the moment signed to rookie contracts.
2026 WNBA Offseason: 2026 WNBA Free Company Tracker | Collective Bargaining Settlement Deal | Angel Reese Traded to Atlanta Dream | WNBA Growth Draft | Participant Contracts (East) | Participant Contracts (West)
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There isn’t any query that the CBA took appreciable time to culminate, which implies the free company frenzy will probably be condensed. 5 days stay till the 2026 WNBA Draft, and 30 till the regular-season ideas off. Prepare for the trip—this era is about to be frenetic.
The offseason started with fireworks because the Chicago Sky despatched their former cornerstone star, Angel Reese, to the Atlanta Dream. In return, Chicago obtained 2027 and 2028 first-round draft picks, and Atlanta will get a second-round choose swap with Chicago within the 2028 WNBA Draft.
Gamers, together with Aliyah Boston (Fever), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Paige Bueckers (Wings), Angel Reese (Dream), Kamilla Cardoso (Sky), Rickea Jackson (Sparks), Cameron Brink (Sparks), Kiki Iriafen (Mystics), Sonia Citron (Mystics), amongst others, stay on rookie-scale contracts which can be inked for 4 years.
Let’s have a look at which gamers have been cored, as most gamers are keen to signal with anybody. Who will truly keep, and who will bolt for a brand new alternative? Maybe greener pastures could also be on the horizon for some.
What’s a Core Designation?
A Core is a totally assured one-year, supermax deal that may be provided to restricted and unrestricted free brokers. Gamers who’re „cored“ can negotiate solely with their present group, although a sign-and-trade can nonetheless be accomplished (groups should negotiate a deal aside from the max underneath new CBA guidelines). Gamers can’t be cored greater than twice. Groups can core just one participant at a time.
Being cored doesn’t suggest a participant will routinely stick with that group. Gamers could be traded, however not for a similar worth because the supermax. For instance, Kelsey Plum was core designated by the Las Vegas Aces final season and was shipped to the Los Angeles Sparks in a three-team commerce that concerned Jewell Loyd.
pic.twitter.com/Kv7Qz9Lk1l
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 8, 2026
The core tag is just like the NFL’s franchise tag. A key subject in CBA negotiations, either side made concessions relating to the core designation. There have been reviews that the gamers‘ union expressed a want to remove the idea, however the WNBA did not waver. As an alternative, gamers with six or fewer years of service could be tagged. A cored participant will obtain a one-year $1.4 million supermax wage. In return, groups will get negotiating rights.
Previous to the brand new CBA, any participant might be tagged twice. This new settlement makes it extra player-friendly, permitting sure gamers to really feel much less trapped. On the identical time, making use of the tag provides groups the liberty to safe rising stars.
Gamers Who Had been Given Core Tag
I wasn’t all that stunned that sure athletes got the core tag, comparable to Kelsey Mitchell (Fever) and Kelsey Plum (Sparks). Napheesa Collier (Lynx) and Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty). I wasn’t anticipating Breanna Stewart or A’ja Wilson to get the tag, however I used to be intrigued by some groups‘ reluctance to lock down sure stars.
That features Satou Sabally, who already bid farewell to the Phoenix Mercury on Instagram. Sabally, who hasn’t touched the hardwood in six months, was a vital a part of the X-Issue’s 2025 Finals run.
Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever
This can be a nice choice for the Fever, who locked up Mitchell with the core. Stopping her from coming into free company, it reunites certainly one of their franchise cornerstones with Indiana (for one season no less than).
This can be a implausible transfer for the Fever, who have already got Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Makayla Timpson secured on rookie contracts. The choice to core Mitchell not solely pivots the franchise in a well-recognized route, however one that can greatest lead the Fever to a championship.
Kelsey Mitchell was excellent within the @IndianaFever’s win over the Las Vegas Aces 🤗
25 PTS | 3 REB | 4 AST
Her efforts helped the Fever drive a Sport 5 on Tuesday!#WelcometotheW | WNBA Playoffs | @Google pic.twitter.com/X7R3AhCxlD
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 28, 2025
Chosen by Indiana No. 2 general in 2018, Mitchell has lengthy been the Fever’s basis. Having performed all eight WNBA seasons with the Fever, Mitchell notably led the Fever to a close to finals run. Albeit accidents to Clark and others, Mitchell virtually sacrificed her well being (rhabdomyolysis) to hold the group.
Mitchell has to this point averaged 17.4 factors, 2.0 rebounds, and a couple of.9 assists whereas taking pictures 43.1% from the sphere and 38.1% from three. In 244 profession video games with the Fever, she began in all however two video games over the previous 5 seasons.
Final 12 months, we noticed Mitchell common a career-best 20.2 factors, together with 1.8 rebounds and three.4 assists. With out Clark on the courtroom for a majority of the season, Mitchell led the Fever to a 24-20 file, the very best because the 2015 season. Whereas Indiana has a number of free brokers on deck, the franchise dedicated to Mitchell, who offers tempo, high-volume scoring, 3-point prowess, and shot creation.
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
No shock right here, the Lynx lock up their core celebrity in Napheesa Collier. Chosen No. 6 general by the Lynx within the draft, Collier has emerged as one of many all-time Minnesota greats. A five-time WNBA All-Star, Collier represents each facet the Lynx franchise stands for: grit, aptitude, management, and a will to win.
Named All-WNBA First Crew for the third time in 2025, Collier led WNBA MVP discussions till she was sidelined for 11 video games because of an ankle damage. The dagger occurred when she suffered a season-ending damage through the semifinals in opposition to the Mercury.
Even so, Collier recorded her best season to this point: 22.9 factors, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks. In 33 regular-season video games, Collier shot an elite 53.1% from the sphere and 40.3% from past the arc.
Napheesa Collier is the Commissioner’s Cup MVP because the Lynx beat the Liberty within the championship spherical 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9zKBruMRch
— WNBA Bought Sport (@wnbagotgame) June 26, 2024
A pillar of the Lynx’s success, Collier has been part of six playoff runs in seven years underneath head coach Cheryl Reeve. The Lynx are a prestigious franchise that is received 4 WNBA championships. Whereas the Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles eras are over, they’re immortalized within the rafters.
Collier is the clear franchise piece, and the Lynx are making that identified. This can be a group that was a free-throw or two away from a championship just some years in the past. There isn’t any query that the Lynx misplaced a bit of its core in Bridget Carleton within the growth draft, and Alanna Smith could also be out the door.
The blueprint is in Reeve’s and the corporate’s arms. Solely Dorka Juhàsz and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu are underneath contract. Heading into free company, six gamers are unrestricted free brokers, together with Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, and DiJonai Carrington.
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks
It is no shock that the Metropolis of Angels positioned the designated core on veteran guard Kelsey Plum. It is her second time receiving the tag, and he or she was notably traded to LA final 12 months in a three-team deal.
The Sparks‘ efficiency underneath head coach Lynne Roberts was lackluster in 2025, as they missed the playoffs totally with a 21-23 file. However, there was a semi-valid purpose for that. Cameron Brink was nonetheless recovering from an ACL tear, and each Rickea Jackson and Rae Burrell missed time with accidents.
Plum was regular by way of all of the hardship contracts. Main the group in scoring, Plum posted 19.2 factors, 3.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 43 regular-season video games. Boasting a 38.3 3-point proportion, Plum was named a 2025 WNBA All-Star in her first season within the Golden State.
KELSEY PLUM GAME WINNERRRRRRRR pic.twitter.com/ZJX2erY61x
— Bala (@BalaPattySZN) August 21, 2025
I get the frustration of Sparks followers, who’re within the midst of a five-year playoff drought. In any case, LA is among the most embellished franchises in WNBA historical past, one which boasts three championships. It is apparent that the Sparks‘ imaginative and prescient is to have Plum as its veteran franchise cornerstone. She’s going to proceed to guide the group as a main playmaker and a participant who bears championship expertise.
With free company underway, it is troublesome to gauge who the Sparks will re-sign and purchase. LA will proceed to construct its core round Plum, Brink, and Jackson, each of whom are on rookie contracts. This week, the Sparks despatched reserved qualifying affords to Burrell. Alissa Pili and Julie Vanloo.
If Plum stays a Spark, maybe the largest improve wanted will probably be protection.
Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
A California native, Sabrina Ionescu has grown to cherish Brooklyn and the Liberty trustworthy. Ionescu lengthy expressed her want to return to the Concrete Jungle, and New York has locked up its star.
There isn’t any doubt that the Liberty plans to run it again with the 2024 championship beginning 5: Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Jonquel Jones. A mainstay of the group since 2020, Ionescu has blossomed into the franchise’s centerpiece alongside Jones and Stewart.
SABRINA IONESCU HITS THE GAME 3 WNBA FINALS GAME-WINNER FROM THE LOGO! 😳🎯
Legendary shot! pic.twitter.com/psAoLBxGS6
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) October 17, 2024
Ionescu’s rookie season was minimize brief by an ankle damage, however she’s improved every season since. Identified for her 3-point prowess, Ionescu has immensely improved her protection, floaters, and facilitating over time. Main the Liberty to 5 playoff appearances in six years, she’s not solely grow to be a staple within the beginning 5 however a franchise favourite.
Albeit a down taking pictures 12 months, Ionescu has averaged 16.7 factors, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in 181 regular-season video games with New York. Ionescu is again and joins Leonie Fiebich, the one participant underneath contract. The Liberty makes their plans clear, and Ionescu will probably be a vital a part of a championship.
Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
I initially thought Arike Ogunbowale can be non-protected and chosen within the WNBA growth draft. As an alternative, the Dallas Wings use the core tag on Arike, as soon as once more reuniting Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
Bueckers made essentially the most in her first season within the Lone Star State, incomes All-Star and Rookie of the 12 months honors. Beneath former head coach Chris Koclanes, the Wings tied the Sky for a league-worst 10-34 file. Nonetheless, the Wings have been dealt accidents, roster adjustments, and far more.
The Wings maintain the No. 1 general choose within the WNBA Draft for the second consecutive 12 months. Though UConn’s Azzi Fudd was the favored selection early on, a number of suitors might be chosen at one. That features Lauren Betts, Awa Fam, and Olivia Miles.
Buckets on demand 💥
Arike Ogunbowale averaged 15.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.3 SPG for the Dallas Wings through the 2025 season.
Observe alongside proper right here for all issues 2026 #WNBAFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/QEsvwrbGpz
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 6, 2026
If Arike is not traded, which means the Wings are committing to establishing their roster round each Bueckers and Ogunbowale. It is a sensible transfer to lock up its star, who has spent seven years of her profession in Dallas. Although restricted to 29 video games final season, Arike has been the group’s basis for years.
Dallas is within the strategy of rebuilding its core, and they’re headed in an amazing route. Bueckers, together with Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, Maddy Siegrist, and Diamond Miller, are underneath contract. Preserving its youthful gamers, Dallas has the potential to grow to be a sizzling spot without cost company.
Ogunbowale is a three-level scorer who has averaged 19.9 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 224 regular-season video games with the Wings. She led the Wings to the playoffs from 2021-23; she is aware of what it takes to get again there. With that core, I am anticipating Dallas to both draft Olivia Miles or an enormous with Betts or Fam.
Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo
I used to be initially stunned that the Connecticut Solar did not shield Marina Mabrey, who was chosen by the Toronto Tempo within the growth draft. Mabrey was initially despatched to Connecticut in a bundle that gave them a playoff run. Sadly, the Solar fell wanting that purpose, inflicting your complete beginning 5 to depart. And there was Mabrey, the final one standing. She initially requested a commerce from Connecticut, however was denied.
Because the Solar wraps up its remaining season in Connecticut, it is obvious that the franchise is sticking with its younger core earlier than relocating to Houston.
Mabrey might lastly get her want and obtain a contemporary begin with the WNBA’s latest franchise. I like this for Mabrey, who will play for „the“ Sandy Brondello. A championship coach with the Mercury and Liberty, she notably developed Ionescu as a guard.
The Connecticut Solar say goodbye to Marina Mabrey: pic.twitter.com/ubcLXFLtNC
— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) April 8, 2026
Mabrey is given an identical alternative, however this time she’s going to lead a wholly new squad. Chosen by the Sparks No. 19 general within the 2019 WNBA Draft, Mabrey jumped ship fairly a couple of occasions, and never by selection. Since 2019, she’s laced up for the Sparks, Wings, Sky, and Solar. Now she has the chance to grow to be the face of the franchise, with the potential of a everlasting residence.
Mabrey will obtain the supermax and is a „do-it-all“ caliber of participant. As we witnessed in Unmatched, Mabrey is thought for her 3-point prowess, however can rating in quite a lot of methods. Other than her crash-out jar, Mabrey is among the fiercest opponents within the WNBA. Whereas she does not be a part of a right away contender, the Tempo made it clear that their blueprint is constructed for successful.
Though she had a considerably down 12 months, Mabrey has averaged 12.5 factors, 3.4 rebounds, and three.2 assists all through her profession. Via 229 regular-season video games, the chef is taking pictures a profession 40.2% from the sphere and 34.7% from past the arc. She joins Aaliyah Nye, together with Julie Allemand, Lexi Held, Maria Kliundokova, Kitija Laksa, and Nikolina Milić, who all obtained reserved qualifying contracts.
Allisha Grey, Atlanta Dream
Atlanta went forward and tagged certainly one of its star gamers. It was by no means a doubt in my thoughts, however as soon as the Angel Reese commerce was set in stone, make no mistake, the Dream will proceed with a brand new large three: Reese, Allisha Grey, and Rhyne Howard.
The Dream is contemporary off a franchise-best 30-win season underneath head coach Karl Smesko, though they have been routed by the Indiana Fever within the playoffs. This was the second-ranked group within the WNBA, and by tagging Grey, the group locks up its core.
Each Grey and Howard are thought-about high two-way guards within the WNBA, and Grey is a real three-level scorer. Her means to create, shoot off the dribble, and penetrate downhill makes her some of the elite guards within the league.
Rhyne Howard and Allisha Grey got here dressed the half on and off the courtroom. The sharper shooters mixed for 40 at present.Sport 1 goes to the Dream in the very best of three sequence pic.twitter.com/4sfU1IdckG
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 14, 2025
Chosen No. 4 general by Dallas within the 2017 WNBA Draft, she was acquired by Atlanta in 2023 and emerged as its main scorer in 2025. Posting a career-best 18.4 factors per sport, Grey thrived in Smesko’s heavy 3-point offensive scheme. As well as, she recorded 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and began all 42 video games for the Dream.
It is clear that the Dream is keen to run it again by sending restricted qualifying affords to each Howard and Naz Hillmon. Grey was an unrestricted free agent, and there was no probability the Dream would let her stroll.
Reese, Te-Hina Paopao, and Taylor Thierry are all underneath contract. By locking up its core basis of gamers, count on the Dream to make a title push this 12 months.
Bridget Carleton, Portland Fireplace
I used to be a bit stunned when the Portland Fireplace selected Bridget Carleton No. 1 general within the growth draft. They chose their unrestricted free agent, and Carleton will headline the WNBA’s latest growth. A local of Canada, I used to be sure the Tempo would choose her, however as an alternative, she grew to become a founding pillar within the Rose Metropolis
Carleton grew to become a mainstay in Minnesota, spending six full seasons within the Land of 1000 Lakes. She emerged as a bona fide starter in 2024 and have become an important a part of the group’s championship run.
Bridget „BIG SHOT“ Carleton delivers a HUGE triple late within the 4th 😤#WNBAFinals introduced by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/kM0oipsFUB
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2024
Rostered on a beforehand loaded Lynx group, Carleton averaged a career-best 9.5 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 2024. Thought-about one of many deadliest flamethrowers within the sport, Carleton is a 39.1% profession 3-point shooter. In 2024, she shot 44.4% from past the arc.
It is not a nasty gig for Carleton, who will get a contemporary alternative and a large payday. That stated, we have seen her means to hold a group or lead a group, for that matter. At 28 years previous, time will inform whether or not Carleton is the precise star to construct round. What I do know for positive will probably be her affect past the arc.
Whereas the franchise’s face is but to be decided, Portland locks up its UFA and moreover despatched restricted and reserved qualifying affords to Sug Sutton, Chloe Bibby, Maya Caldwell, Emily Engstler, Luisa Geiselsöder, and Haley Jones. I am not notably keen on the preliminary roster construct, however Carleton cashes out big-time.
Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
This isn’t stunning, on condition that Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins are core ineligible. In keeping with Roberta Rodriguez, F. Rodrigues of Forbes, Diggins, and Ogwumike are prone to depart the Emerald Metropolis following the firing of former head coach Noelle Quinn. Therefore, the balloon welcome movies leaked on Wednesday have been recorded throughout Ogwumike’s go to with the Lynx.
The Storm franchise will embark on a brand new journey underneath head coach Sonia Raman, and it is evident that the franchise is committing to stabilizing its entrance courtroom with Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga.
I initially thought Seattle would tag Gabby Williams or Brittney Sykes, however I like this transfer for a number of causes. Chosen No. 12 general by Seattle within the 2019 draft, Magbegor is a WNBA champion who was lately named All-WNBA Defensive Second Crew for the third time in her profession.
Not on Ezi’s watch 🚫
Ezi Magbegor rises up for the REJECTION!
LAS-SEA | League Go pic.twitter.com/5TDGBfW7HV
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 2, 2025
Magbegor is not a lock to play for Seattle, as with the others, however in at present’s sport, a robust frontcourt is important. The Storm locks down some of the elite defenders within the sport, who’s simply 26 years previous.
Assuming Diggins and Ogwumike stroll, the Storm maintain the No. 3 choose within the 2026 WNBA Draft. If Seattle re-signs Williams, Seattle will boast one of many league’s most formidable defenses. A participant comparable to Olivia Miles might actually spherical out the beginning lineup.
In fact, there’s all the time the potential of swapping Magbegor for one more participant, and I am not leaving that choice off the desk. At 6-foot-4, Magbegor possesses the scale, velocity, and size that some gamers do not have. In 206 regular-season video games with Seattle, she’s posted 9.7 factors, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
Both means, it is a well-deserved payday for some of the elite defenders within the WNBA.
Ariel Atkins, Chicago Sky
Alas, Ariel Atkins is the final participant standing in Chicago, minus Kamilla Cardoso, Haley Van Lith, and Kathryn Westbeld.
Atkins acquired the bag, and rightfully so. However the franchise has made questionable choices 12 months after 12 months. Atkins was initially traded to the Sky from the Washington Mystics for the No. 3 general choose, which became Sonia Citron. Moreover, the franchise gave up a 2027 second-round choose and a 2027 first-round choose swap. It might look silly of them to guard Atkins.
Ariel Atkins has obtained Core qualifying provide from the Sky. pic.twitter.com/MGD5DNeIlP
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 7, 2026
The Sky fumbled its franchise star Angel Reese, who was traded to the Dream this week. Previous to that, they traded their picks within the growth draft to guard whom? As of Wednesday, Chicago solely despatched a reserved qualifying provide to Sevi Uzun.
It is evident that Chicago envisioned itself as a contender final season and went all-in after buying and selling for Atkins. With a number of GM and head teaching adjustments, this franchise is way from competing. By tagging Atkins, Chicago is dedicated to rebuilding round each her and Cardoso.
I am unable to even grade this, on condition that Chicago has six unstructured free brokers that can hit the market. Atkins would obtain a full assured $1.4 million, which implies she’s unable to barter with different groups. There’s a chance that Atkins might decline this provide and might be moved through a sign-and-trade.
Atkins, 29, averaged 13.1 factors, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 34 regular-season video games with Chicago. Identified for her defensive mastery, she could also be a greater match some place else, particularly a contender.
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Workers Author at Ballislife.com, in addition to Director of Ballislife Bets. Observe her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
