Keep track of the transactional chaos on the WNBA front, which is engaged in a compacted offseason after the lengthy yet fruitful CBA talks.
With a new collective bargaining agreement signed, the WNBA is about to embark on a most unique fastbreak.
Scores have been settled, and progress has been made in the boardroom, leading to a condensed offseason that will take up the remaining weeks before the regular season tips off on May 8. In anticipation of earning under a new CBA, almost every WNBA veteran is up for grabs in some form of free agency, leading to what should be a chaotic yet organized frenzy that will set up the competitors for the Association's landmark 30th season.
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WNBA Player News: Nneka Ogwumike Returns to LA | Jackie Young Returns to Aces | Tempo Land Mabrey, Sykes | Kelsey Mitchell Returns to Indiana Fever | Aces Bring Back Core | BG Lands in Connecticut | Liberty Sign Satou Sabally | Sky Heads to the Sky!
Ballislife will keep you up to date on all transactions and terms below...
Tracked by: Geoff Magliocchetti and Sara Jane Gamelli
(Updated: April 19, 9 00 a.m. ET)
Free Agent Definitions
Core—A fully guaranteed one-year, supermax deal that can be offered to restricted and unrestricted free agents. Players who are "cored" can negotiate only with their current team, though a sign-and-trade can still be formed (though teams must negotiate a deal other than the max under new CBA rules). Players cannot be cored more than twice. Teams can core only one player at a time.
Reserved—Players who have registered three years of service or fewer can receive qualifying offers. Beginning in 2027, players with at least seven years of experience cannot be cored. These players' current teams have exclusive negotiating rights with the athletes in question. The player becomes an unrestricted free agent if a qualifying offer is not extended.
Restricted—Restricted free agents are players with four years of service whose contract has expired and receive a qualifying offer from their current team. If a qualifying offer is not offered, that player becomes an unrestricted free agent. Such players can also negotiate offer sheets, which must be for a multi-year contract, with a new team, but the original team has "Right of First Refusal," or the ability to match.
Unrestricted—Veteran players who can negotiate with any team without restriction.
Core Designations
- Ariel Atkins (Chicago Sky, April 6)
- Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever, April 6)
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty, April 7)
- Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings, April 7)
- Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm, April 7)
- Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream, April 7)
- Bridget Carleton (Portland Fire, April 7)
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx, April 7)
- Kelsey Plum (Los Angeles Sparks, April 7)
- Marina Mabrey (Toronto Tempo, April 7)
Trades
Sunday, April 12
SKY GETS: Rickea Jackson
SPARKS GETS: Ariel Atkins
The trade is official: The Chicago Sky sends Ariel Atkins to the LA Sparks for Rickea Jackson. The latest blockbuster trade is Jackson, who was drafted No. 4 overall by LA in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Now she joins former teammate, Azurá Stevens, in the Windy City, along with Skylar Diggins, Rachel Banham, Kamilla Cardoso, Haily Van Lith, and Elizabeth Williams. It's clear that Chicago is reconstructing its roster post-Angel Reese era. Atkins needs a much-needed defense and veteran presence for the Sparks. Since Chicago cored her, this is a sign-and-trade.
Saturday, April 11
SKY GETS: Jacy Sheldon
MYSTICS GETS: 2028 first-round pick
The Mystics continue to stockpile picks, this time sending guard Jacy Sheldon to the Windy City in exchange for a 2028 first-round draft pick. Sheldon has struggled to find a permanent home in the WNBA, bouncing between the Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, and Washington Mystics. A player who thrives on defense, Sheldon joins a crowded backcourt in Chicago that already includes Haley Van Lith and Skylar Diggins.
I'm a huge fan of Sheldon, but not for a first-round pick. Are the Mystics mimicking the Oklahoma City Thunder? They have a strong core with Georgia Ammore, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen. Washington holds 14 draft picks over the next three years, including six first-round picks. Former GM Jamila Wideman left the Mystics after just one season, but it seems that the organization is keeping its core talent while accumulating picks for the future.
Thursday, April 9
SUN GETS: Diamond Miller
WINGS GET: Rayah Marshall
In what appears to be a cap-clearing move for North Texas, the Dallas Wings swap Miller for Marshall. While Marshall, set to make just over $277,000 next season, could be waived as the Wings search for complementary pieces next to Paige Bueckers and perhaps the cored Arike Ogunbowale, Miller gets yet another opportunity to reclaim the narrative of her WNBA career in the relatively consequence-free setting of Connecticut. The second overall pick of the 2023 draft was previously acquired from the Minnesota Lynx and averaged 3.9 points and 2.0 rebounds in 15 subsequent showings in Arlington.
Monday, April 6
DREAM GETS: Angel Reese, 2028 second-round pick swap
SKY GETS: 2027 and 2028 first-round picks
Breakdown: The polarizing prowess of Angel Reese is moving on to Atlanta after two seasons, amidst darkening skies with the Sky. Reese joins the WNBA's top rebounding group from the year prior, one that featured the Atlanta debut of Brittney Griner and the respective breakouts of Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, and reigning Sixth Woman of the Year Naz Hillmon.
Reese led the Association in rebounding in each of her first two seasons and now joins an Atlanta group looking to make some noise after posting a franchise-best 30 wins, doubling their output from the year prior.
Free Agency, Team-By-Team
Returning Players in BOLD
Atlanta Dream
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Jordin Canada | UFA | Will re-sign with the Dream on a two-year deal worth $1.2+ million per Kareem Copeland | |
| Nia Coffey | UFA | Will sign a two-year contract with the Lynx, per Kendra Andrews | |
| Allisha Gray | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Will sign a 3-year contract to return to the Dream per Sean Hurd—$ 3.7 million over three years. |
| Brittney Griner | UFA | Brittney Griney will sign a seven-figure deal with the Connecticut Sun, per Terrika Foster-Brasby | |
| Brionna Jones | UFA | Will return to the Dream per ESPN's Sean Hurd | |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | UFA | ||
| Naz Hillmon | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Will sign a 3-year contract to return to the Dream, per Kendra Andrews. Fully guaranteed worth over $2.5+ million. |
| Rhyne Howard | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Resigns with the Dream |
| Lorela Cubaj | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | |
| Sika Koné | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 9 |
| Holly Winterburn | SCE | Signed a training camp contract with Dream on April 13 | |
| Maite Cazorla | SCE |
Players Under Contract:
- Angel Reese
- Te-Hina Paopao
- Taylor Thierry
- Isobel Borlase signs a rookie-scale contract with the Dream
- Signed Paige Robinson, Maite Cazorla, and Holly Winterburn to training camp contracts
- Re-signed Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada, and Naz Hillmon
News
- [April 10, 1:45 p.m.. ET] Per Sean Hurd, Allisha Gray will stay where she's at and will return to the Atlanta Dream on a 3-year contract. Per Kendra Andrews, Naz Hillmon will return on a 3-year contract, as well. The Dream are fresh off a franchise-best 30-game win total under head coach Karl Smesko, and solidify strong pieces around newly-acquired Angel Reese.
- [April 10, 11: 45 a.m. ET] Per Sean Hurd, Brionna Jones will sign with the Dream. Atlanta continued to lock up its core by forming a strong backcourt featuring both Reese and Jones. With the moves, will Brittney Griner return, or will she sign elsewhere?
- [April 10, 10: 00 p.m. ET] Oh Canada! Guard Jordin Canada is headed back to the Dream. Per ESPN's Kareem Copeland, the Deal is good for two years, $1.2-plus million. Canada will add depth to its guard rotation and bolster Atlanta's defense.
- [April 11, 3:30 p.m. ET] The Atlanta Dream announced the re-signing of Rhyne Howard. The Dream keeps its core together, which includes its star player, Howard. Atlanta has built some serious firepower on both sides of the ball.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Chicago Sky
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Ariel Atkins | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 6 | Traded to the Los Angeles Sparks for Rickea Jackson, per Alexa Philippou |
| Rebecca Allen | UFA | Will sign with the New York Liberty, per Khristina Williams | |
| Rachel Banham | UFA | Rachel Banham will re-sign with the Chicago Sky | |
| Kia Nurse | UFA | Will sign with the Toronto Tempo, per Chelsea Leite | |
| Michaela Onyenwere | UFA | Signed a multi-year contract with the Washington Mystics, per Chiney Ogwumike | |
| Courtney Vandersloot | UFA | Will return to the Chicago Sky | |
| Elizabeth Williams | UFA | Elizabeth Williams will sign a two-year deal with the Chicago Sky per Chiney Ogwumike | |
| Sevgi Uzun | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 6 | Signs training camp contract with the Sparks |
Players Under Contract:
- Kamilla Cardoso
- Hailey Van Lith
- Maddy Westbeld
- Jacy Sheldon (Traded to the Chicago Sky on April 11)
- Signed Megan Nestor, Aicha Coulibaly, Sydney Taylor, and Tonie Morgan to rookie-scale contracts (April 14)
- Signed DiJonai Carrington, Azurà Stevens, and Skylar Diggins
- Re-Signs Elizabeth Williams, Sevgi Uzun, and Rachel Banham
- Acquired Rickea Jackson via trade from LA Sparks for Ariel Atkins (Signed Core contract)
News
- [April 11, 10 a.m. ET] Per Alexa Philippou, Azurà Stevens is departing the Los Angeles Sparks and will return to the Chicago Sky on a three-year deal. Stevens had a career season with LA, shooting 38.3% from three and 12.8 points per game. A WNBA Champion with the Sky in 2021, Stevens returns to the franchise where she spent three seasons. She brings veteran leadership, length, and the ability to space the floor.
- [April 11, 1 p.m. ET] Per release, veteran guard Skylar Diggins will sign a two-year deal with the Chicago Sky. A seven-time All-Star, Diggins is one of the most decorated players in WNBA history. Diggins will lead the Sky, who are in the midst of rebuilding the entire roster. Chicago made two free agency splashes: First, Stevens, and now Diggins.
- [April 12, 3 p.m. ET] Per ESPN, DiJonai Carrington is signing a one-year deal with the Sky. The former Most Improved Player signed with Dallas last season and was traded to the Lynx during their playoff run. Carrington is a great defender who will join Diggins, Stevens, Jackson, Sheldon, and others in the Windy City.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Connecticut Sun
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Lindsay Allen | UFA | Signed with the Dallas Wings | |
| Tina Charles | UFA | ||
| Diamond DeShields | UFA | ||
| Bria Hartley | UFA | ||
| Olivia Nelson-Ododa | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Will sign a two-year deal to return to the Sun, per Terrika Brasby-Foster |
| Haley Peters | Restricted | ||
| Mamignan "Migna" Touré | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 9 |
Players Under Contract:
- Aaliyah Edwards
- Aneesah Morrow
- Saniya Rivers
- Leïla Lacan
- Rayah Marshall traded Dallas Wings
- Signed Shey Peddy to a training camp contract
- Re-signed Migna Touré and Olivia Nelson Ododa
- Signed Brittney Griner
News
- [April 10, 10:00 p.m. ET] Per Terrika Foster-Brasby, Brittney Griner will sign with the Connecticut Sun. Griner, 35, spent 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury before departing for Atlanta. At this time, the details aren't clear, but Griner becomes the leader in Connecticut. A Houston native, Griner may have an opportunity to relocate with the Sun in 2027. Talk about a full-circle moment if that's the case.
- [April 13, 11:00 a.m. ET] Guard Shey Peddy has signed with the Sun.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Dallas Wings
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Arike Ogunbowale | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Will re-sign with the Dallas Wings on a multi-year deal. Grant Afseth confirms. |
| Tyasha Harris | UFA | Will sign with the Indiana Fever, per Chloe Peterson | |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | UFA | Will sign with the Fever. | |
| Grace Berger | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7. | Accepted + signed offer on April 8. |
| Li Yueru | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7. | Accepted + signed offer on April 8. |
| Awak Kuier | SCE | Will re-sign with the Dallas Wings, per Khristina Williams | |
| Lou Lopez Sénéchal | SCE |
Players Under Contract:
- Diamond Miller
- Maddy Siegrist
- Paige Bueckers
- Aziaha James
- JJ Quinerly
- Sign Lazaria Spearman, Grace Sullivan, Constanza Veronia, and Kyla Odacre to rookie-scale contracts
- Sign veteran Alysha Clark to a training camp contract
- Sign Amy Okonkwo, Dulcy Fankam, and Shyanne Sellers to training camp contracts
- Sign Lindsay Allen, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith
- Re-sign Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier, Li Yueru, and Grace Berger
News
- [April 10, 2:30 p.m. ET] Per Alexa Philippou of ESPN, Arike Ogunbowale will return to the Dallas Wings on a multi-year deal that will equate to seven figures. Initially, given the core tag, Ogunbowale was supermax-eligible, but she will take less money. Dallas is committing to building around both Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers, who lead the backcourt. How will this affect the No. 1 pick draft strategy?
- [April 10, 4:00 p.m. ET] Per ESPN's Alexa Philippou, Jessica Shepard is headed to the Wings on a multi-year deal. The team additionally solved its frontcourt problem by signing Alanna Smith to a multi-year contract. With Shepard, Smith, and Li Yueru under contract, the No. 1 pick awaits on Monday. However, the moves give Dallas size, length, and much-needed defense and rim protection.
- [April 10, 4:00 p.m. ET] Per release: The Dallas Wings have signed four players to training camp contracts: Amy Okonkwo, Costanza Verona, Shyanne Sellers, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Golden State Valkyries
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Monique Billings | UFA | Will sign with the Indiana Fever, per Roberta Rodrigues | |
| Temi Fágbénlé | UFA | Will sign with the Tempo, per Alexa Philippou | |
| Tiffany Hayes | UFA | Re-signs with the Valkyries | |
| Kayla Thornton | UFA | Re-signs with the Valkyries | |
| Veronica Burton | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 6 | Re-signs with the Valkyries to a multiyear contract, per release |
| Cecilia Zandalasini | Restricted | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with the Valkyries |
| Laeticia Amihere | Reserved | Signed a training camp contract, per release | |
| Kaitlyn Chen | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a training camp contract, per release |
| Iliana Rupert | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a multi-year contract with the Golden State Valkyries |
| Janelle Salaün | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a multi-year contract with the Golden State Valkyries |
Players Under Contract:
- Kate Martin
- Activated Justė Jocytė's rookie contract on April 12.
- Kaila Charles has signed a two-year contract, per Sean Hurd and Kareem Kopeland
- Signed Kiah Stokes, Gabby Williams, Kaila Charles,
- Re-Signed Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton, Iliana Rupert, Januelle Salaün, and Cecilia Zandalisini
- Signed Cate Reese, Miela Sowah, and Mariella Fasoula to rookie-scale contracts
News
- [April 11, 5:00 p.m. ET] Two-way guard Veronica Burton re-signs with the Golden State Valkyries for three years ($925,000, $971,250, $1,071,500) per Richard Cohen. Named the 2025 WNBA's Most Improved Player, Burton has cemented herself as one of the franchise's cornerstones.
- [April 12, 11 a.m. ET] Gabby Williams will sign a multi-year contract with the Valkyries, per Andraya Carter. Williams was deciding between the Aces, Lynx, and Golden State, but ultimately chose the Bay. A Williams and Burton backcourt should be fun to watch, and Williams should fit into the defensive culture immensely.
- [April 12, 2:00 p.m. ET] Per release, the Valkyries have signed the following players to training camp contracts: Laeticia Amihere, Kaitlyn Chen, Mariella Fasoula, and Miela Sowah.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Indiana Fever
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Kelsey Mitchell | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 6 | Will return to the Indiana Fever on a one-year, $1.4 million supermax deal per Chiney Ogwumike |
| Sydney Colson | UFA | ||
| Sophie Cunningham | UFA | Will re-sign with the Indiana Fever on a one-year deal, per Alexa Philippou | |
| Damiris Dantas | UFA | Re-signs with the Fever | |
| Natasha Howard | UFA | Will sign a two-year, $1.4 million deal with the Minnesota Lynx, per Ramona Shelburne | |
| Aari McDonald | UFA | ||
| Brianna Turner | UFA | Signed with the Aces | |
| Lexie Hull | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 6 | Will re-sign with the Fever per Khristina Williams |
Players Under Contract:
- Aliyah Boston
- Caitlin Clark
- Makayla Timpson
- Re-signed Sophie Cunningham, Damiris Dontas, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull
- Signed Monique Billings, Tyasha Harris
News
- [April 10, 2:50 p.m. ET] Per Chiney Ogwumike, Kelsey Mitchell will return to the Indiana Fever on a one-year, $1.4 million supermax. The Fever will solidify their frontcourt with both Caitlin Clark and Mitchell. Mitchell has spent her entire career with the Fever and is considered one of the first WNBA players to sign the new supermax deal.
- [April 11, 12 p.m. ET] Per Roberta Rodrigues, Monique Billings and the Indiana Fever have agreed to terms on a contract. Per sources, Billings met with the New York Liberty, but will join Aliyah Boston in the frontcourt. Billings, 26, spent the first six seasons of her career with the Atlanta Dream before stints with the Dallas Wings and Phoenix Mercury. She most recently played one season with the Golden State Valkyries, averaging 7.3 points and 4.5 rebounds.
- [April 11, 5:15 p.m. ET] Per Chloe Peterson, Ty Harris is headed to the Indiana Fever. A native of the state, Harris will reunite with coach head Stephanie White since Connecticut.
- [April 12, 9:30 a.m. ET] Per Alexa Philippou, the Indiana Fever re-signed Sophie Cunningham to a one-year deal. The tres leches are back together: Cunningham, Caitlin Clark, and Lexie Hull. Although Cunningham was injured last season, she still managed to play 30 games. Cunningham is a crucial X-factor who is a sniper from beyond the arc, but is one of the better defenders in the league.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Las Vegas Aces
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Dana Evans | UFA | Signs a two-year contract with the Aces, per Richard Cohen | |
| Chelsea Gray | UFA | Will return to the Aces on a 3-year contract fully guaranteed, worth up to $3M+ per Callie Fin. | |
| Megan Gustafson | UFA | Will sign a two-year contract with the Portland Fire, per Alex Philippou | |
| Jewell Loyd | UFA | Will return to the Aces on a three-year deal worth $2.2-plus million, per Andraya Carter of ESPN. | |
| Cheyenne Parker-Tyus | UFA | Will re-sign with the Aces, pe Callie Fin. | |
| Kiah Stokes | UFA | Will sign wit the Golden State Valkyries | |
| A’ja Wilson | UFA | Will sign a 3-year, $5M deal with the Aces, per Andraya Carter | |
| Jackie Young | UFA | Standard Max Contract Extended | Will sign a one-year, $1.19M max contract with the Las Vegas Aces (April 9) |
| Kierstan Bell | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 9 |
| NaLyssa Smith | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Will re-sign with the Aces, per release |
Players Under Contract:
- Signed Chennedy Carter to a training camp contract
- Signed Brianna Turner to a training camp contract
- Re-Signed A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, NaLyssa Smith, Kierstan Bell, Dana Evans, and Jewell Loyd
- Signed Stephanie Talbot
News
- Vegas has reportedly bestowed a new kind of jackpot: per Alexa Phillippou of ESPN, Jackie Young is set to sign a standard max contract for one year at $1.19 million. With such a deal, Young would become the WNBA's first seven-figure player, and the Aces would complete part one of keeping their headlining championship triumvirate.
- [April 10, 2 00 p.m. ET] ESPN's Andraya Carter reports that guard Jewell Loyd will sign a three-year contract with the Aces. Loyd, who spent the first ten years of her career with Seattle, is committed to staying in Sin City. With the moves, the Aces will run it back with its main core. A spark off the bench last season, Loyd won a WNBA championship in her first season with Las Vegas.
- [April 10, 5:30 p.m. ET] Point guard Chelsea Gray reunited with her former team and will sign a three-year contract with the Aces, per Callie Fin. Gray, who spent the past five years in Las Vegas, has been a crucial part of its dynasty run. Since free agency started, the Aces have secured Gray, Loyd, Kiersten Bell, and Young to deals.
- [April 15, 11 a.m. ET] Per Jackie Powell of The IX, the Aces are set to host Chennedy Carter's return to the WNBA, having last appeared with the Chicago Sky in 2024. The fourth pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft spent last season playing in China and is set to be a valuable part of the team's depth as it seeks a fourth title over the last five years.
- [April 15, 3:00 p.m. ET] A'ja Wilson is set to re-sign with the Aces on a three-year, $5 million deal, per Andraya Carter. Wilson becomes the first $5 million player and gets the largest deal in WNBA history. The Aces lock down their superstar and the remaining core.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Los Angeles Sparks
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Kelsey Plum | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Will return to the Sparks on a one-year $999,999 deal. |
| Emma Cannon | UFA | Re-signs with the Sparks, per release | |
| Dearica Hamby | UFA | Dearica Hamby announces her return to the Sparks via X. | |
| Azurá Stevens | UFA | Has agreed to a three-year deal to return to the Chicago Sky, Alexa Philippou | |
| Rae Burrell | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with the Sparks |
| Alissa Pili | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | |
| Julie Vanloo | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signed with the Sparks. |
Players Under Contract:
- Cameron Brink
- Sania Feagin
- Re-Signed Rae Burrell, Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Julie Vanloo
- Signed Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler
- Signed Emma Cannon to a training camp contract
News
- [April 10, 9:30 a.m. ET] It's a non-traditional move, but a meaningful one. ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike reports that her sister, Nneka Ogwumike, the President of the WNBPA, is set to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks. It's a full circle moment for Madam President, who returns to LA, where she spent the first 12 years of her career.
Named MVP and a WNBA Champion with the Sparks in 2016, Ogwumike later departed and spent two seasons with Noelle Quinn and the Seattle Storm.
The star forward met with multiple teams, according to sources, including the Minnesota Lynx (hence the balloon video).
Now, she returns to the organization that drafted her No. 1 overall in the 2012 WNBA Draft. The specifics of the deal are not available at this time.
- [April 10, 9:45 a.m. ET] Per Khristina Williams, Azurá Stevens will not re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks. Stevens is an unrestricted free agent, giving her the ability to sign with any team. In her eight-year WNBA career, Stevens has played for the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Sparks.
- [April 12, 10:15 a.m. ET] Per Shams Charania, Kelsey Plum returns to the Sparks on a one-year deal. Although supermax eligible, Plum takes less at $999,000. LA made a huge free agency splash with Ogwumike, and Plum will continue as the team's primary facilitator at point guard. With Plum taking less, the Sparks can build a roster that competes with other teams at a high level.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Minnesota Lynx
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Napheesa Collier | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with the Lynx on a one-year deal |
| DiJonai Carrington | UFA | Agrees to a one-year deal to join the Chicago Sky, per ESPN | |
| Natisha Hiedeman | UFA | Announced departure on April 10 | Expected to sign a two-year contract with the Seattle Storm, per Khristina Williams |
| Kayla McBride | UFA | Will re-sign with the Lynx on a two-year, lower max salary per Ramona Shelburne | |
| Jessica Shepard | UFA | Expected to sign a multi-year contract with the Dallas Wings, per Alexa Philippou | |
| Alanna Smith | UFA | Will sign a three-year contract with the Dallas Wings. | |
| Courtney Williams | UFA | Will sign a two-year max contract with the Lynx, per Alexa Philippou | |
| Jaylyn Sherrod | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 8 |
| Camryn Taylor | Reserved |
Players Under Contract:
- Dorka Juhász
- Anatasiia Olairi Kosu
- The Lynx sign Emma Čechová, Antonia Delaere, Eliška Hamzová, Reigan Richardson, and Jaylyn Sherrod to training camp contracts, along with Aubrey Griffin to a rookie scale contract per release.
- Re-signed Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride
- Signed Natasha Howard and Nia Coffey in free agency
News
—Natisha Hiedeman has strongly hinted at her departure from Minnesota by posting a montage of photos from her time with the Lynx, accompanied by the caption "with love." Courtney Williams, the other half of the "StudBudz" viral duo, is among the commenters, advising Hiedeman to "go be great," further hinting at her Lynx tenure ending after two seasons.
- [April 12, 11:40 a.m. ET] It's confirmed that the Stud Budz will split up, but Courtney Williams will remain with the Minnesota Lynx on a two-year max deal. Williams has spent the last two seasons with Minnesota and has been a crucial part of its championship run in 2024. Williams brings incredible IQ, leadership, and has one of the most elite mid-range jumpers in the game. Plus, she's a high-energy scorer. While the Lynx lost several members in free agency, Williams returns to salvage the main core.
- [April 12, 1:30 p.m. ET] It's been a rough time for the Lynx, who lost Bridget Carleton (expansion), Jessica Shepard (Wings), Alanna Smith (Wings), and Natisha Hiedeman (Storm) in free agency. ESPN's Ramond Shelburne reports that Kayla McBride will return on a two-year, lower max salary. Having already signed Courtney Williams, the Lynx will look to secure its big three with McBride and Napheesa Collier.
[April 12, 2:30 p.m. ET] Natasha Howard will sign a two-year, $1.4 million deal with the Minnesota Lynx, per Ramona Shelburne. This adds much-needed frontcourt depth, along with defense next to Collier. Howard most recently played with the Indiana Fever. Additionally, the Lynx sign Nia Coffey, formerly the Atlanta Dream, to a two-year deal.
*The Lynx bring back Napheesa Collier on a one-year deal.
"I'm so confused on right now with my injury and this year winning a championship." (Andrew Dukowitz)
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
New York Liberty
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Sabrina Ionescu | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with Liberty on multi-year deal |
| Kennedy Burke | UFA | Intends to sign with the Connecticut Sun, per Alexa Philippou | |
| Natasha Cloud | UFA | ||
| Isabelle Harrison | UFA | Will sign a one-year contract with the Toronto Tempo per Andraya Carter | |
| Jonquel Jones | UFA | Will sign a multiyear deal, per Madeline Kenney | |
| Emma Meesseman | UFA | ||
| Breanna Stewart | UFA | Re-signs with Liberty on multi-year deal | |
| Stephanie Talbot | UFA | Will sign with the Aces, per Richard Cohen | |
| Rebekah Gardner | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 6 | Signed a training camp contract with the Liberty |
| Marine Johannés | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 6 | Re-signs with Liberty |
| Raquel Carrera | SCE | Signed a training camp contract, per Jackie Powell | |
| Betnijah Laney-Hamilton | SCE | Will re-sign with the Liberty | |
| Han Xu | SCE | Will re-sign with the Liberty, per Myles Ehrlich |
Players Under Contract:
- Leonie Fiebich
- Raquel Carrerra, Rebecka Gardner, Ashley Owusu, and Anneli Maley have signed training camp contracts with the Liberty
- Signed DiDi Richards to a training camp contract
- Signed Rebecca Allen in free agency
News
- [April 11, 11 a.m. ET] Per Madeline Kenny, Jonquel Jones is finalizing a multiyear deal to stay with the New York Liberty. With Jones and Sabally, New York will boast one of the most formidable frontcourts in the WNBA.
- [April 11, 1 p.m. ET] In a free agency bombshell, Satou Sabally departs the Phoenix Mercury and signs a multiyear deal with the New York Liberty. The Liberty boasts its frontcourt with the re-signing of Jones and adds more length with Sabally. With Sabrina Ionescu cored, and the franchise waiting on Brenna Stewart, this may be the most dangerous team in the league. Sabally reunited with her former college teammate, Ionescu, in Oregon.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Phoenix Mercury
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| DeWanna Bonner | UFA | Will re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury | |
| Kahleah Copper | UFA | Will re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury, per release | |
| Satou Sabally | UFA | Will sign a multiyear deal with the New York Liberty, per Shams Charania | |
| Alyssa Thomas | UFA | Expected to sign with the Mercury per Sean Hurd. | |
| Sami Whitcomb | UFA | Will re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury for two-years, $1.4M+, per Chiney Ogwumike | |
| Monique Akoa Makani | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with Mercury |
| Natasha Mack | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Will re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury |
| Kathryn Westbeld | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a training camp contract with the Mercury on April 13 |
| Monique Akoa Makani | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with the Mercury |
| Helena Pueyo | SCE | ||
| Julia Ayrault | SCE | ||
| Kiara Lundquist | SCE |
Players Under Contract:
- Kalani Brown
- Signed Kara Dunn, Shay Ciezki, Yarden Garzon, Maggie Doogan, Noemie Brochant, Quionche Carter, and Jovana Nogic to rookie-scale contracts
- Re-signed Alyssa Thomas, Natasha Mack, Kathryn Westbeld, Sami Whitcomb, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, and Monique Akoa Makani
- Signed Ashten Prechtel, Aisha Sheppard, Kianna Williams, Lauren Jensen, Jaime Nared, Morgan Maly, and Kyara Linskens to training camp contract
News
- [April 10, 12:45 p.m. ET] Per Sean Hurt, Alyssa Thomas will sign with the Phoenix Mercury. AT full re-sign with the team for whom she departed, the Connecticut Sun. In her first season in the valley, the Mercury advanced to the WNBA Finals. Thomas officially re-signs with Phoenix as of April 12.
- [April 12, 6:00 p.m. ET] Per release, Kahleah Copper will re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix has been relatively quiet in free agency; however, the duo of Coppper and Alyssa Thomas will continue in the Valley.
To be added
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Portland Fire
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Bridget Carleton | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Signs a three-year deal at the max per ESPN |
| Sug Sutton | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Has signed with the Fire |
| Chloe Bibby | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 7 |
| Maya Caldwell | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 9 |
| Emily Engstler | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a training camp contract on April 7. |
| Luisa Geiselsöder | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed with the Fire |
| Haley Jones | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a one-year, $300k contract with the Fire |
Players Under Contract:
- Nika Mühl
- Sarah Ashlee Barker
- Carla Leite
- Signed Peyton Williams, Emily Engstler, Chloe Bibby, and Maya Caldwell to a training camp contract
- Signed Nyadiew Puoch and Teja Oblak to a rookie-scale contract
- Signed Luisa Geiselsöder, Sug Sutton, Megan Gustafson, Bridget Carleton, Karlie Samuelson, and Hayley Jones to contract
News
- [April 11, 4:30 p.m. ET] Karlie Samuelson will sign with the Portland Fire
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Seattle Storm
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Skylar Diggins | UFA | Will sign with the Chicago Sky, per Roberta Rodrigues | |
| Ezi Magbegor | UFA | Re-resigns with Storm | |
| Tiffany Mitchell | UFA | ||
| Nneka Ogwumike | UFA | Announced Departure on April 9 | Will sign with the LA Sparks on April 10. |
| Katie Lou Samuelson | UFA | Will re-sign with the Storm | |
| Brittney Sykes | UFA | Will sign a two-year max contract with Toronto Tempo per Alex Philippou of ESPN | |
| Erica Wheeler | UFA | Will sign a deal with the LA Sparks | |
| Gabby Williams | UFA | Gabby Williams will not return to the Storm, per Roberta Rodrigues. According to Andraya Carter, Williams has narrowed down her choices to the Aces, Valkyries, and Lynx. Will sign a multi-year contract with the Golden State Valkyrie, per Andraya Carter | |
| Zia Cooke | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with Seattle Storm per release |
| Mackenzie Holmes | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Re-signs with Seattle Storm per release |
Players Under Contract:
- Dominique Malonga
- Jordan Horston
- Re-sign Zia Cooke, Mackenzie Holmes, Katie Lou Samuelson, and Ezi Magbegor
- Sign Jade Melbourne and Natisha Hiedeman in free agency
News
—Nneka is nevermore in Seattle: Nneka Ogwumike has yet to sign, but the 10-time All-Star, longtime WNPBA leader, announced her departure from the Pacific Northwest through a post on her social media channels, one that featured a collage of antics with the Storm surrounding the message "Thank You, Seattle." Ogwumike spent the past two seasons in green, averaging 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds.
- [April 12, 1:25 p.m. ET] Nearly all of Seattle's roster has departed from the Emerald City, but the Storm re-signs Ezi Magbegor. The franchise solidifies its frontcourt with Magbegor and Dominique Malonga, cementing them as the franchise's cornerstones.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Toronto Tempo
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Marina Mabrey | UFA | Received a Core qualifying offer on April 7 | Will sign a two-year max contract with Tempo worth $2.4 million, per Alex Philippou of ESPN |
| Julie Allemand | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed with a two-year deal worth $850,000 total per Richard Cohen |
| Lexi Held | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 7 |
| Maria Kliundokova | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | |
| Kitija Laksa | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a training camp contract with the Tempo |
| Nikolina Milić | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a qualifying offer on April 7 |
| María Conde | SCE | Signed with the Tempo and will play this season, per Khristina Williams | |
| Kristy Wallace | SCE | Signed a training camp contract with the Tempo |
Players Under Contract:
- Nyara Sabally
- Aaliyah Nye
- Signed Maddison Rocci to a training camp contract
- Signed Liz Balogun to a training camp contract
- Signed Dara Mabrey and Maddison Rocci to a rookie-scale contract
- Signed Temi Fagbenle, Isaballe Harrison, Julie Allemand, Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, Maria Conde, Kristy Wallace, Lexi Held, and Nikolina Milić
- Signed Kiki Rice to a rookie-scale contract
News
—Whoa, Canada: per Alexa Philippou of ESPN, the Tempo are set to assemble the first million-dollar pairing in WNBA history by signing Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, formerly of Seattle, to standard max deals. Mabrey, of course, was Toronto's headlining acquisition of its expansion draft haul, while Sykes was one of the top movers at last year's trade deadline.
- [April 11, 11:30 p.m. ET] Laura Juškaitė signs a training camp contract with the Tempo.
- [April 11, 11:30 p.m. ET] Liz Balogun signs a training camp contract with the Tempo.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Washington Mystics
| PLAYER | FREE AGENT | OFFERED | STATUS |
| Alysha Clark | UFA | Signs with the Dallas Wings | |
| Stefanie Dolson | UFA | Will sign with the Seattle Storm, per Khristina Williams | |
| Jade Melbourne | UFA | Will sign a one-year contract with the Seattle Storm, per Alex Philippou | |
| Shakira Austin | Restricted | Received a restricted qualifying offer on April 7 | Signed a multi-year offer sheet with the Tempo. The Mystics have two days to match the contract per Sabreena Merchant. The Mystics matched and re-signed Austin to a multi-year deal, per release. |
| Bernadett Határ | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7 | |
| Madison Scott | Reserved | Received a reserved qualifying offer on April 7. | Signed a qualifying offer on April 7 |
Players Under Contract:
- Sonia Citron
- Kiki Iriafen
- Georgia Amoore
- Lucy Olsen
News
- April 13: Per release, the Washington Mystics re-sign center Shakira Austin to a multi-year deal. Austin signed an offer sheet with the Toronto Tempo as a restricted free agent, and the Mystics matched within two days. Washington solidifies its frontcourt with both Kiki Iriafen and Austin ahead of the 2026 WNBA Draft.
- [April 11, 11:40 a.m. ET] Per release, the Washington Mystics will receive a 2028 first-round pick in exchange for guard Jacy Sheldon. The Mystics continue to stockpile picks and hold 14 draft selections over the next three years. That includes six first-round picks. Drafted by the Dallas Wings in 2024, Sheldon has also played for the Connecticut Sun.
*UFA: Unrestricted Free Agent
*SCE: Suspended Contract Expired
Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags
