The Las Vegas Aces stand out, retaining their championship core. Their retention of key players like A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd suggests a calculated bid to repeat. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx have undergone a significant roster shake-up, shedding multiple rotation players. Departures include forwards Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, and Jessica Shepard, pieces integral to their previous franchise-best record. Conversely, they've added Natasha Howard and Olivia Miles.
The WNBA offseason has seen major player movements and team reconfigurations, with some franchises consolidating strength while others undertake significant rebuilding efforts.
Emerging Contenders and Rebuilding Efforts
The New York Liberty have secured their star trio, re-signing Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones to max contracts, signaling their intent to remain title contenders. The Atlanta Dream appear poised to challenge, retaining their core starters and Sixth Player of the Year, and adding Angel Reese via trade. The Golden State Valkyries have seen departures like Monique Billings and Carla Leite, but have made additions including DiJonai Carrington, Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, Jacy Sheldon, and Azurá Stevens.
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The newly formed Toronto Tempo are set to be competitive under coach Sandy Brondello, with additions like Julie Allemand, Temi Fágbénlé, Isabelle Harrison, Lexi Held, Kitija Laksa, Marina Mabrey, Kiki Rice, and Brittney Sykes. The Portland Fire have also added players, including Megan Gustafson and Iyana Martín Carrión.
Other Team Movements
The Indiana Fever did not land significant free agents and lost Natasha Howard, while the Washington Mystics added draft talent but reportedly failed to address their most critical needs. The Connecticut Sun appear to be focusing on internal player development, having added Nell Angloma, Gianna Kneepkens, Brittney Griner, and Kennedy Burke, while losing Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles.
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Free agent activity has reshuffled rosters significantly, with top talent like A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Allisha Gray, Nneka Ogwumike, Kelsey Mitchell, Kelsey Plum, Satou Sabally, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Copper, Skylar Diggins, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Ezi Magbegor, Chelsea Gray, Brionna Jones, Veronica Burton, Alanna Smith, Arike Ogunbowale, Shakira Austin, Azurá Stevens, Emma Meesseman, Ariel Atkins, Natasha Cloud, Brittney Sykes, Naz Hillmon, Jewell Loyd, Jordin Canada, Bridget Carleton, Marina Mabrey, Kayla Thornton, DiJonai Carrington, Maria Kliundikova, Tiffany Hayes, Natisha Hiedeman, Sophie Cunningham, Brittney Griner, Lexie Hull, Marine Johannes, Natasha Howard, NaLyssa Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Erica Wheeler finding new or returning to previous teams.
Background
The WNBA offseason typically involves a flurry of activity, including the expansion draft, free agency, and the college draft. These periods shape team trajectories for the upcoming season, often leading to significant power shifts across the league. Recent events include the establishment of new expansion teams, the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire, adding further complexity to roster construction and league dynamics. The 2025 season saw the Lynx and Aces emerge as dominant forces, with the Lynx achieving a franchise-best record. The current offseason, occurring in early 2026, follows a season where many teams have either consolidated their successes or initiated rebuilds based on past performance and available talent.
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