WNBA's Biggest Free Agency Class Kicks Off With Key Dates and Top Players

The 2026 WNBA offseason is filled with big decisions as over 100 players hit the open market.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:41am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a WNBA basketball game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors, representing the dynamic player movement and shifts in team dynamics expected during the 2026 WNBA free agency period.The WNBA's biggest free agency period in history promises to shake up the league's competitive landscape with star players potentially changing teams.Los Angeles Today

The 2026 WNBA offseason is the biggest in league history, with over 100 players set to become free agents, including some of the league's biggest stars. The offseason calendar is packed with key dates, including the expansion draft, designation period, negotiation period, and the 2026 WNBA Draft. Among the top free agents are Nneka Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and the league's reigning MVP A'ja Wilson.

Why it matters

This offseason will reshape the WNBA landscape, with new expansion teams joining the fold and many of the league's biggest names potentially changing teams. The free agent decisions of stars like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier could have a major impact on the competitive balance of the league. Additionally, the influx of new talent from the draft, combined with the increased salary cap, will create an exciting and unpredictable free agency period.

The details

The 2026 WNBA offseason is filled with key dates, starting with the expansion draft on April 3 where the new Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire franchises built their rosters. Next up is the designation period from April 6-7, where teams can use qualifying offers and core player designations to retain their top free agents. The negotiation period from April 8-10 will allow teams to work out deals with external free agents, leading up to signing day on April 11. The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place on April 13, with the top prospects joining the league.

  • The WNBA Expansion Draft took place on April 3, 2026.
  • The Designation Period runs from April 6-7, 2026.
  • The Negotiation Period is from April 8-10, 2026.
  • Free agent contracts can be signed starting on April 11, 2026.
  • The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026.

The players

Nneka Ogwumike

A 10-time WNBA All-Star forward for the Seattle Storm who remains one of the best players in the league despite being past her prime MVP-winning days.

Jonquel Jones

The 2021 WNBA MVP who has played for the New York Liberty, sacrificing some of her individual production to help the team win a championship in 2024.

Kelsey Plum

A star guard who was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks last season and thrived as the team's top option, but is now set to hit free agency.

Jackie Young

A key member of the dominant Las Vegas Aces teams that have won three of the last four WNBA championships, but is now a free agent alongside teammate A'ja Wilson.

A'ja Wilson

The reigning WNBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and 3-time champion with the Las Vegas Aces, who is widely considered the best player in the league.

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What they’re saying

“Nneka Ogwumike isn't the player she was when she was named MVP back in 2016, but she is still one of the best players in the WNBA. Her 18.3 points per game was still a top 10 mark in the league.”

— Bailey Bassett, Author

“Since winning the MVP award in 2021, Jonquel Jones' production has regressed. That is largely because Jones has had to sacrifice in the usage department for the betterment of her team since joining the New York Liberty. Her unselfishness resulted in a championship in 2024.”

— Bailey Bassett, Author

“A'ja Wilson continues to soar up the board of the all-time WNBA player rankings. Last year, the best player currently in the league added a third championship, a third Defensive Player of the Year nod, and a fourth MVP to her resume.”

— Bailey Bassett, Author

What’s next

The WNBA free agency period will officially open on April 11, 2026, allowing teams to sign players to new contracts. This will kick off a flurry of player movement as teams look to retool their rosters ahead of the 2026 season. The decisions of top free agents like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Napheesa Collier will be closely watched as they could significantly impact the competitive balance of the league.

The takeaway

The 2026 WNBA offseason is shaping up to be the most impactful in league history, with a record-breaking free agent class, new expansion teams, and a revamped salary cap. The decisions of the league's biggest stars will reshape the landscape of the WNBA, making this an exciting and unpredictable time for the sport.