WNBA free agency grades 2026: Live analysis of the biggest free agent signings and trades

By | April 10, 2026
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WNBA free agency is underway in what could be one of the most transformative offseasons in the league’s history.

More than 100 players have reached free agency following the expiration of their contracts, most of which were timed specifically to end when a new collective bargaining agreement kicked in that would guarantee players the highest salaries in WNBA history. 

Below, The Sporting News grades the major deals to date in WNBA free agency, which — depending on the volume of activity — could realign the league’s balance of power.

WNBA free agency grades 2026

Elizabeth Williams returns to the Sky

Elizabeth Williams, one of the premier defensive bigs in The W, is re-signing with the Chicago Sky on a two-year contract.

Williams is an 11-year veteran with one All-Star appearance and two All-Defense selections on her resume. She started 15 games for Chicago last season, averaging 8.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per night.

Williams grade: B

Entering her fourth season in Chicago, WNBPA secretary Williams will provide veteran leadership and experience to a young, rebuilding team that will try to find its identity following this week’s Angel Reese trade. Williams may not play a ton of minutes — she averaged around 21 per game in 2025 — but she offers good value on a league-average salary.

Sky grade: B-plus

Williams is a solid, dependable defensive anchor for a retooling team. The Sky locker room will rely on her presence, and Chicago hopes that working with Williams can help bring out the best in Kamilla Cardoso, the former third overall pick who has been criticized for her motor and inconsistency over the past two seasons.

Chelsea Gray is back in Las Vegas

The Aces are re-signing star point guard Chelsea Gray to a three-year contract.

Gray, a six-time All-Star and a WNBA Finals MVP, has been vital to Las Vegas’ 2020s dynasty. She has won three titles with the Aces since joining them as a free agent in 2021, and few expected her to leave Vegas after helping the team to another championship last season.

Gray grade: A-plus

Gray is signing a contract that likely ensures she will finish her career in Las Vegas. It would be a fitting end for a player whose character and performance has defined this era of Aces basketball as much as A’ja Wilson or anyone else.

Gray struggled with her shot at times in 2025, but she played all 56 games for the Aces and averaged 11.2 points per game. In the playoffs, the Point Gawd continued to enhance her big-game reputation, averaging 12.3 points and 7.3 assists in the Finals as the Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury in four straight games.

Aces grade: A

The Aces surely never contemplated letting Gray walk in this free agency cycle, given everything she has meant to the franchise since her arrival five years ago.

Gray’s return locks in Las Vegas’ core for next year, as she joins Jewell Loyd in signing a three-year contract with the franchise. Wilson is expected to sign a supermax deal in the coming days, while Jackie Young on Thursday agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.19 million.

Las Vegas’ cap space is limited from here on out, but that is the price to pay to keep a winning group together. Head coach Becky Hammon and team owner Mark Davis both know that.

Wings add frontcourt depth in Jessica Shepard

The Dallas Wings are beefing up their frontcourt with the addition of former Minnesota Lynx forward Jessica Shepard.

Shepard had spent the first six seasons of her career with the Minnesota Lynx, who have lost Shepard, Natasha Hiedeman and Bridget Carleton to free agency this week.

Shepard grade: B-plus

Shepard was never a regular starter under Cheryl Reeve in Minnesota, but incoming Wings coach Jose Fernandez will value her experience, size and scoring ability on a young Dallas team. It is possible that Shepard begins the year as a starter, and she may mentor the Wings’ first overall draft pick — expected to be Spain’s 6’4” phenom Awa Fam.

Wings grade: B-plus

This is a solid move all around. Rebounding wasn’t Dallas’ weakness in 2025 — the Wings ranked third in the category and were No.1 in offensive rebounds — but Shepard averaged 7.3 rebounds in only 20.9 minutes per game last year. One of the WNBA’s best passing bigs, Shepard also has shown flashes as an effective interior scorer: in a Lynx win over the Fever last August, Shepard notched a 22-point, 11-rebound, 10-assist triple-double.

Kelsey Mitchell returns to Indiana

ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike reports that Kelsey Mitchell is signing a one-year, $1.4 million supermax contract with the Indiana Fever.

Mitchell, a first-team All-WNBA selection in 2025, is arguably the Fever’s best player and set a franchise record by averaging 20.2 points per game a season ago.

Mitchell grade: A-plus

Mitchell makes the WNBA’s new supermax and retains the flexibility to hit the market again next summer if things go awry in Indy this season. She might be the biggest winner of free agency.

Mitchell withstood the Fever’s plague of injuries last season and nearly led the No.6 seed to the WNBA Finals before her legs gave out in Game 5 of the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces. As pure a scorer as you can find in The W, Mitchell having a healthy Caitlin Clark next to her in 2026 could take her game to even greater heights.

Fever grade: A-minus

Indiana undoubtedly would have hoped to sign Mitchell to a multi-year deal, and the formula of this contract raises the stakes considerably for the Fever in 2026: if Indiana doesn’t reach the Finals, the star guard might bolt in 2027.

That however is a problem for next year. Mitchell’s return to the Fever was a prerequisite for this team to contend for a championship. Indiana head coach Stephanie White and general manager Amber Cox both publicly stressed Mitchell’s importance to the franchise, which has been solidified with this supermax contract. 

Arike Ogunbowale stays in Dallas

Arike Ogunbowale is re-signing with the Dallas Wings on a multi-year contract below the WNBA’s new $1.4 million supermax.

According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Ogunbowale has agreed to take a little less to allow general manager Curt Miller to add more quality pieces around her and reigning Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.

Ogunbowale grade: A

At her best, Ogunbowale is an electric scorer capable of challenging for the MVP award. On her worst nights, she shoots her team out of the game.

Ogunbowale endured the toughest season of her career in 2025, when she averaged just 15.5 points per game on 36.4 percent shooting. She played in 29 games due to injury, and the Wings went 10-34. Miller then fired first-year head coach Chris Koclanes during the WNBA playoffs.

Ogunbowale has spent her entire career in Dallas and receives a strong vote of confidence from the Wings with this new contract. Her loyalty might be rewarded with a return to the playoffs in 2026.

Wings grade: B

Was Ogunbowale’s rough 2025 season a mirage? Or is it a sign that the 29-year-old is entering a decline? Dallas is betting on the former, choosing to re-sign the franchise’s all-time leading scorer instead of drafting Azzi Fudd first overall on Monday night.

Under new head coach Jose Fernandez, the Wings are gambling that Ogunbowale will flirt once more with a 20-point-per-game scoring average — a mark she has surpassed three times in her career.

Ogunbowale and Bueckers played only 21 games together in 2025; it makes sense to give that backcourt pairing more time. Adding a dominant big — like Awa Fam or Lauren Betts — in the draft on Monday would make for a formidable trio on paper. But Ogunbowale has to stay healthy and consistent for that to work.

Naz Hillmon re-signs in Atlanta

Reigning Sixth Player of the Year Naz Hillmon is signing a new contract with the Atlanta Dream.

The move signals that Atlanta is bringing the band back together following a 30-win season in 2025 — but with the notable acquisition of Angel Reese via a trade with the Chicago Sky.

Hillmon grade: A

Hillmon enjoyed a banner year under first-year head coach Karl Smesko last season. Smesko’s staff worked on Hillmon’s jumper and encouraged her to take more jumpers. That decision opened up the Dream’s offense and turned it into the WNBA’s second-most efficient unit.

Hillmon averaged a career-best 8.6 points per game and shot 32 percent from beyond the arc. The three-year contract is a rich reward for her and a signal from the Dream that they believe in her continued development.

Dream grade: A

Hillmon represents a big scouting and development win for the Dream front office, which took hr 15th overall in the 2022 draft. General manager Dan Padover has prioritized keeping homegrown talent in Atlanta, and Hillmon now has the platform to get even better in 2026 with her combination of size, floor spacing and defensive impact. Big win for the Dream.

Jewell Loyd returns to the Aces

Six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd is finalizing a deal to return to the Las Vegas Aces.

Loyd is mere months removed from winning her third WNBA championship, and her first with the Aces, following a blockbuster trade from the Seattle Storm last year.

Loyd grade: A-minus

Loyd’s scoring average cratered last season to 11.2 points per game, her lowest figure since her rookie season in 2015. The 2023 scoring champion was an uneasy fit in Becky Hammon’s offense and was moved to the bench in August — where she flourished.

Loyd averaged 9.4 points in 29.3 minutes across 12 playoff games. She averaged 13.8 points per game in the Finals as the Aces swept aside the Phoenix Mercury. Pursuing more championships in Las Vegas may be worth adapting to a reserve role for Loyd, who gets the added security of a multi-year deal.

Aces grade: B-minus

As mentioned, Loyd’s fit in Hammon’s scheme was questionable in 2025, making it a curious decision to give the 32-year-old a new three-year contract.

It is perhaps better understood through the prism of the Aces’ negotiation with Jackie Young, who has agreed to a one-year deal worth $1.19 million. With Young in full control of her playing future after 2026, Loyd serves as competition and insurance if Young moves on next spring.

Still, seeing as how Loyd’s value has decreased over the past year-plus, is this the Aces’ best way to allocated their limited resources?

Allisha Gray re-signs with the Dream

The Atlanta Dream are poised to re-sign All-Star guard Allisha Gray to a contract worth “max-plus” money.

Gray, 31, is set to sign a new three-year deal that will be one of the WNBA’s most lucrative for a player who received MVP votes in 2025.

Gray grade: A-plus

Gray has enjoyed the best years of her career in Atlanta. Over three seasons with the Dream, the sharpshooting lefty has averaged 17.0 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting and a 36.3 percent mark from 3-point range.

Gray was a first-team All-WNBA selection last season and she has developed into one of the game’s premier players. A three-year contract with the Dream gives her plenty of security — not to mention a great chance to compete for a championship.

Dream grade: A-plus

Gray has become a franchise cornerstone since Atlanta acquired her from the Dallas Wings before the 2023 season. She is a three-time All-Star and placed fourth in MVP voting last season after averaging a career-best 18.4 points per game.

Gray is a strong cultural fit in Atlanta as well, having established an off-court friendship with fellow All-Star Rhyne Howard and gelling immediately with first-year coach Karl Smesko in 2025.

This was a no-brainer for Dream general manager Dan Padover, who pulled off a blockbuster trade for Angel Reese earlier this week and, with Gray’s return, oversees a talent-laden roster that could have enough juice to reach the WNBA Finals this year.

Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes form The W’s first million-dollar backcourt

The Toronto Tempo have made a big splash by signing free-agent guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes to two-year maximum contracts.

Mabrey grade: A

The Tempo took Mabrey in last week’s expansion draft despite her pending free agency. Instead of taking less money to join a potential contender, Mabrey took the max contract and the challenge of leading an expansion team in its first season.

Mabrey has flashed elite shooting throughout her seven-year career, but she hasn’t stayed in one place for long and has struggled for consistency. Getting some security and high usage in Toronto could lead to a career season in 2026.

Sykes grade: B-plus

Sykes is one of the best defensive guards in the WNBA and offers an interesting counter to Mabrey in the Toronto backcourt.

A first-time All-Star in 2025, Sykes’ toughness and experience leading a young Washington Mystics team through a rebuild last year could be invaluable for the expansion Tempo, who selected plenty of shooters in the expansion draft and won’t have to rely heavily on Sykes’ jump shot. 

Tempo grade: A-minus

For a franchise in Toronto’s position, the Tempo have to pay over the odds to land All-Star level talent in order to get off the ground.

General manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello understand this. Their goal is to develop a winning culture and winning habits from year one, even if the playoffs don’t immediately follow.

Toronto owns the sixth pick in Monday’s rookie draft and likely will be eyeing one of the bigs — Lauren Betts looks more and more like a natural fit given the Tempo’s roster makeup.

Natisha Hiedeman to join the Storm

Natisha Hiedeman, one of the WNBA’s most valuable reserve guards, is leaving the Lynx after two seasons in Minnesota. According to Khristina Williams, Hiedeman will sign with the Seattle Storm.

ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reports that Hiedeman has a two-year contract agreement in place to join Seattle, which made the playoffs the past two seasons.

Hiedeman grade: A

Hiedeman enjoyed a career year in 2025, when she averaged 9.1 points per game and finished third in Sixth Player of the Year voting.

Hiedeman was a vital role player on the league’s best team a season ago. She shot a career-best 49.2 percent from the floor and over 37 percent from 3-point range. Hiedeman should get an opportunity to start on a young Seattle team that needs shooting, toughness and experience; she’s played in two WNBA Finals series, one with the Lynx in 2024 and one with the Connecticut Sun in 2022.

Storm grade: B-plus

It’s a new day in Seattle, as high-priced veterans Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike and Gabby Williams are set to depart as free agents. The Storm will build around its frontcourt, specifically the second-year phenom Dominique Malonga.

Hiedeman represents a smart, savvy signing for the Storm’s backcourt. Per 100 possessions last season, she averaged 25.1 points and 7.7 assists. The big question here is whether the shooting carries over; Hiedeman owns a career 41.7 field goal percentage, and her value as a starter is significantly higher if she can score consistently in double-digits.

Alyssa Thomas to re-sign in Phoenix

The Phoenix Mercury reportedly are finalizing a new contract with superstar forward Alyssa Thomas after the two sides enjoyed a successful 2025 season together.

Thomas signed with the Mercury as a free agent last year after 11 seasons with the Connecticut Sun. She promptly led the league in assists, finished third in MVP voting and guided Phoenix to the WNBA Finals.

Thomas grade: A-plus

Thomas joined the Mercury in 2025 for a fresh start as the Sun entered a rebuild. Phoenix built a team specifically for her to succeed: the Mercury surrounded Thomas with spot-up shooters and handed her the keys to the offense.

Thomas is the WNBA’s all-time leader in triple-doubles for a reason. Melding physical strength with immense basketball IQ, Thomas set a new benchmark last season with a WNBA-record 357 assists. She is the pre-eminent point forward of her era and is a seven-time All-Defense selection. Re-upping in Phoenix made the most sense for her.

Mercury grade: A

It sounds like Phoenix is going to lose Satou Sabally in free agency, while fellow All-Star Kahleah Copper has a bigger chance to stay but could leave too. Those circumstances made it more urgent for the Mercury to prioritize re-signing Thomas in free agency.

Though Thomas turns 34 this week, “the Engine” shows no signs of slowing down. Phoenix is squarely in a contention window, and the Mercury always find a way to land stars despite never seeming to own draft picks as trade capital. General manager Nick U’Ren and head coach Nate Tibbetts will be tasked with doing so again as Phoenix eyes a return trip to the Finals.

Nneka Ogwumike signs with the Los Angeles Sparks

Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike is returning to Los Angeles after two seasons with the Seattle Storm, making the WNBPA president the first major free agent to change teams.

Ogwumike, 35, played the first 12 years of her career in Los Angeles, winning an MVP award and a WNBA championship in 2016. She ranks second in franchise history in points scored and third in points per game.

Ogwumike grade: A-plus

Nneka Ogwumike always wins. It’s a fact of life.

For Ogwumike individually, a return to the Sparks is a dream come true: she comes back to the place where she played her best basketball and again will receive top billing as the franchise player.

Ogwumike’s individual excellence has made her one of the Sparks’ greatest-ever players, and she isn’t really slowing down as she readies for her 15th pro season. In 2025, Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while continuing to play superb defense on an inconsistent Storm team. In a vacuum, she helps herself by heading back to LA.

Sparks grade: D-plus

I don’t love this at all for Los Angeles.

Yes, adding a 10-time All-Star undoubtedly will get the Sparks closer to the postseason. But what is Los Angeles’ idea here beyond just ending a five-year playoff drought?

Moving on from Ogwumike in 2024 signaled the franchise would undertake a deliberate rebuild around young players like Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. But the Sparks’ blockbuster trade for Kelsey Plum last year showed that Los Angeles already was losing patience with the youth movement. And now the franchise is set to trade Jackson to…bring back Ogwumike.

It’s hard to see the Sparks’ plan as anything other than a slapdash assemblage of All-Stars and a few young players. Sounds a lot like the Seattle team that Ogwumike just left.

Jackie Young becomes the first player to get a $1 million max contract

ESPN’s Alexa Philippou on Thursday reported that Jackie Young and the Las Vegas Aces had agreed on a new one-year contract worth the regular maximum salary of $1.19 million.

It will keep Young in Las Vegas alongside A’ja Wilson and (most probably) Chelsea Gray as the Aces try to run it back in 2026 and win a fourth WNBA title in five years.

Jackie Young grade: A-plus

Young cashes in and becomes the first player to agree to one of the new maximum contracts. It’s hard not to love this for her. And the deal structure — it’s a one-year agreement — keeps Young in full control of her future.

That being said, it’s getting hard to see her swapping Las Vegas for another locale. The Aces have made the playoffs in seven consecutive seasons and won at least 67 percent of their regular-season games in six of those seasons. Vegas is a well-oiled championship-winning machine, and Young understands that she is a key cog.

Las Vegas Aces grade: A-minus

Despite speculation that Young would pursue a new adventure after winning three championships in Las Vegas, the Aces ponied up the cash to keep the four-time All-Star in Sin City.

Head coach Becky Hammon may have wished for Young to sign a longer-term deal, as the one-year agreement doesn’t offer Las Vegas much assurance about the star guard’s future beyond 2026. But the Aces nonetheless will be thrilled to retain a key member of their 2020s dynasty, a guard with 50-40-90 potential who has been there for many of the franchise’s biggest moments since her rookie season in 2019.

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