WNBA free agency and trade tracker 2026: Deals, news, moves

Follow all the latest news and transactions around the league as teams make moves in the offseason.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented action of a WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.The WNBA's offseason wheeling and dealing is reshaping the league's competitive landscape ahead of the 30th season.Los Angeles Today

The WNBA offseason is in full swing with free agency and trades taking place. Key players like Jackie Young are re-signing with their teams, while others like Angel Reese are being traded to new squads. Teams have also been designating core players to retain their rights.

Why it matters

The WNBA offseason is a critical time for teams to retool their rosters and make moves to improve their chances for the upcoming season. These transactions can significantly impact the league's competitive landscape and shape how the 30th WNBA season plays out.

The details

The WNBA and players' association recently agreed to a new collective bargaining agreement, paving the way for an expansion draft, free agency, and the WNBA draft to take place in a compressed offseason before the season tips off on May 8. Key moves so far include the Las Vegas Aces finalizing a one-year deal with Jackie Young, the Dallas Wings trading Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun, and the Chicago Sky trading two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream.

  • The WNBA free agency negotiating period is underway through Friday, April 12.
  • Players can officially sign contracts beginning Saturday, April 13.
  • The WNBA's core player designation deadline was this past Monday and Tuesday, with 10 of 15 teams extending qualifying offers.

The players

Jackie Young

A star guard for the Las Vegas Aces who is finalizing a one-year contract to return to the team.

Diamond Miller

A forward for the Dallas Wings who was traded to the Connecticut Sun.

Angel Reese

A two-time WNBA All-Star who was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream.

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What they’re saying

“The core designation gives a team exclusive negotiating rights to a player and comes with a baseline contract of a fully guaranteed one-year deal worth the supermax ($1.4 million in 2026), though the player can negotiate different terms.”

— Alexa Philippou

What’s next

The WNBA free agency period will continue through the end of the week, with players officially able to sign contracts starting on Saturday, April 13. Teams will also continue to make trades and roster moves as they finalize their rosters for the upcoming 30th season.

The takeaway

The WNBA offseason is a critical time for teams to reshape their rosters through free agency and trades. These transactions can significantly impact the league's competitive balance and set the stage for an exciting 30th season of WNBA basketball.