WNBA Free Agency Opens with Fast-Track Offer Window

Two-day period for teams to extend qualifying offers to players with reserved rights

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:20am

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The WNBA and its players' union have agreed to start free agency on Monday, April 6, 2026. Teams will have a two-day window to send qualifying offers to players they have reserved rights for, the league announced on Sunday.

Why it matters

The WNBA's free agency period is a crucial time for teams to retain top talent and build competitive rosters for the upcoming season. The accelerated offer window gives teams less time to strategize, putting pressure on both teams and players to make quick decisions.

The details

Under the new agreement, WNBA teams will have just 48 hours to extend qualifying offers to players they have reserved rights for before the full free agency period opens. This fast-track window is a departure from previous years, when teams had more time to evaluate their rosters and make offers.

  • Free agency will open on Monday, April 6, 2026.
  • Teams will have a two-day window to send qualifying offers to players with reserved rights.

The players

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association, the premier professional women's basketball league in the United States and Canada.

WNBA Players' Union

The labor union that represents the professional basketball players in the WNBA.

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What’s next

The full free agency period will begin after the two-day qualifying offer window, allowing players to negotiate with any team.

The takeaway

The accelerated free agency timeline will create a fast-paced and high-stakes environment for WNBA teams and players as they work to secure roster spots and build competitive teams for the upcoming season.