Now that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is in place, WNBA free agency is open ahead of the 2026 season.
With the salary cap expected to jump from $1.5 million to $7 million, many veterans chose to let their contracts expire in pursuit of more lucrative deals. As a result, several players are technically free agents this spring.
It remains to be seen which players will actually test the market. A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart have already committed to staying with their current teams.
In addition, Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm), Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings), and Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) are among the key players to receive a Core qualifying offer.
That quickly takes several marquee names off the board as potential free agent targets. More decisions are expected in the coming days, and this list of top available players will be updated as clarity emerges throughout the offseason.
Best WNBA Free Agents 2026
| Player | Age | Previous Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jonquel Jones | 32 | Liberty |
| Chelsea Gray | 33 | Aces |
| Kahleah Copper | 31 | Mercury |
| Satou Sabally | 27 | Mercury |
| Rhyne Howard (RFA) | 25 | Dream |
| Gabby Williams | 29 | Storm |
| Alanna Smith | 29 | Lynx |
| Skylar Diggins | 35 | Storm |
| Dearica Hamby | 32 | Sparks |
| Veronica Burton (RFA) | 25 | Valkyries |
| Kayla McBride | 33 | Lynx |
| Kayla Thornton | 33 | Valkyries |
| Shakira Austin (RFA) | 25 | Mystics |
| Azura Stevens | 30 | Sparks |
| Courtney Williams | 31 | Lynx |
| Natasha Cloud | 34 | Liberty |
| Brittney Griner | 35 | Dream |
| DeWanna Bonner | 38 | Mercury |
| Jordin Canada | 30 | Dream |
| Emma Meesseman | 32 | Liberty |
Note: RFA means restricted free agent, meaning the player’s original team has the right of first refusal.
Ranking the Top WNBA Free Agents in 2026
Jonquel Jones
I’m most curious about how the new CBA will impact the No. 3 options on the super teams. With Stewart and Ionescu returning to the Liberty, Jones could be tempted by more money elsewhere if she can’t get a reasonable deal to come back.
Jones’ regular-season commitment and energy can waver at times, but she has game-changing ability when she’s locked in. That’s how she won the 2024 Finals MVP award.
Chelsea Gray
Speaking of third options who take their game to another level on the biggest stage, Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray could be an ideal target for a team needing a veteran playmaker. Even at 33, Gray is one of the best facilitators and clutch performers in the league.
Kahleah Copper
Due to health reasons, Kahleah Copper was limited to 28 games and 26.9 minutes per contest. Her scoring dropped from 21.1 points in 2024 to an average of 15.6 in her second campaign with the Phoenix Mercury.
With improved health, Copper should rebound in 2026. But it might be on a different team if she opts to test free agency.
Satou Sabally
Satou Sabally reportedly won’t return to the Mercury, and it wouldn’t surprise me if she’s viewed as one of the prizes of free agency. The 6-foot-4 forward has been a difference-maker when she’s healthy, averaging 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over six seasons (five with the Wings).
Rhyne Howard
If Rhyne Howard weren’t a restricted free agent, she’d probably be a couple of spots higher on this list. But I’m guessing she returns to the Atlanta Dream as a star in Karl Smesko’s system, which brought the best out of her last year for a third All-Star campaign in her fourth season since being the No. 1 pick in 2022.
Gabby Williams
I’m a bit surprised that the Storm didn’t opt to give Gabby Williams a Core designation. She instantly becomes an attractive free agent as a two-way wing who notched her first All-Star selection last year.
Alanna Smith
Coming off a Defensive Player of the Year campaign, Alanna Smith enters free agency at the opportune time. She’s a fantastic defender, averaging more than one block per game in each of the last three years. Any team would be lucky to land Smith.
Skylar Diggins
Skylar Diggins is on the verge of playing for a fourth team in her lengthy career, which began in 2013. Even at 35, Diggins is a reliable two-way player who averaged 15.5 points and six assists per game last year.
Dearcia Hamby
Since leaving Las Vegas in 2022, Dearcia Hamby has found her footing with the Sparks over the last three seasons. She averaged 18.4 points and 7.9 rebounds last year.
Veronica Burton
It seems unlikely that Veronica Burton will test the waters as a restricted free agent. After all, her first campaign with the Golden State Valkyries led to a career year. She won Most Improved Player, averaging 11.9 points and six assists per contest.
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