The WNBA Free Agency: A Planned Chaos
Las Vegas Aces president Nikki Fargas joked about the challenges facing WNBA franchises as they prepare for the most important free agency period in league history. “You’ll need to have Plan A, Plan B, and Plan 9-1-1,” Fargas said. “There’s nothing normal about this offseason, so you can’t analyze it from a normal perspective.” With most players about to become free agents and the need for an expansion draft for new franchises, the league’s landscape is about to change drastically. The WNBA offseason is anticipated to be a period of great upheaval, with most non-rookie contract players becoming free agents. In addition, the league will have to conduct an expansion draft for the two new franchises that will join in 2026. The key for the franchises will be preparation and flexibility.A’ja Wilson, four-time MVP, tops that list. The 29-year-old player has played her entire eight-year career with Las Vegas. Will she stay or be tempted by another team? Satou Sabally, who just finished her first season with the Phoenix Mercury, said it will be interesting to see what dictates the choices of the different players. “If you want to win a championship, you need good players around you,” said Sabally. “You also want to make money. So, what are people’s goals? What are they willing to do? Maybe they want to carry a team and get on the radar, which is totally understandable. Or maybe they are more willing to concede a little on the salary issue and have a super team.” While uncertainty is high, one can speculate on the teams that could be most affected by the movement of free agents.“You have to be prepared for multiple scenarios and different plans for each one,” commented Fargas, whose team won its third WNBA title in four years. “There are many great players in this league. But the most important thing is that we want to keep our core together.”
Nikki Fargas, President of Las Vegas Aces
Teams with Potential Significant Changes
- Dallas Wings: With Paige Bueckers as the franchise star, the season will focus on consolidating the team’s vision. The main question is whether Arike Ogunbowale will return.
- Golden State Valkyries: After a successful first season, the Valkyries could attract bigger stars for the 2025 season.
- Chicago Sky: The team will seek to improve its roster through free agency. Ariel Atkins is expected to be re-signed and Courtney Vandersloot to return after an injury. Angel Reese’s situation is also uncertain.
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Teams with Limited Changes
- Atlanta Dream: The team will seek to retain its key free agents and restricted players to secure its position in 2026.
- Indiana Fever: The team’s priority is to re-sign Kelsey Mitchell, who had an outstanding season.
- Las Vegas Aces: The goal is to keep the team’s core, including A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray.
- Phoenix Mercury: Keeping key players together will be crucial for the team.
- Washington Mystics: With a focus on rebuilding, the team could focus on the 2026 draft to add young talent.
Teams with an Uncertain Future
- Connecticut Sun: The team is in the process of rebuilding and will need to make important decisions about its roster.
- Los Angeles Sparks: The team will seek changes to improve its performance and return to the playoffs.
- Minnesota Lynx: The team could make changes to strengthen its roster and aim for a better performance in the playoffs.
- New York Liberty: Although the core of the team is expected to remain, the arrival of a new coach could influence the composition of the team.
- Seattle Storm: The decision on the new coach could influence the direction of the team, with possible significant changes in the roster.
