Table of Contents
Free Agency Results
Welcome Back! I’ll keep the explanation below so you can refer back to it while reading.
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Training camp started Sunday, April 19th, and there are a few rules to know:
The training camp roster size has increased from 15 players to 20 players. (18 + 2 development players)
Teams have to cut their roster down to 12 people, and they have to have 12 players on the roster, unlike previous years, where they could carry 10-11.
Some players will be arriving late to training camp because of overseas commitments. Some players will be arriving late to the season. The prioritization rule does not affect players with 3 years or less of experience.
For example, this is the last year Leonie Fiebich can arrive late to the WNBA season without a full year suspension because she is going into her 4th year.
Players can still be signed up until the end of the regular season so people not on rosters right now can very well be on them at some point during the season.
If you are a salary nerd:
Follow Patrick Arsenault if you are a Salary Cap nerd and want to know how much money teams have left over to spend
Some players are on Floating Protected Veteran Max or Supermax: a top-tier salary structure that is not a fixed dollar amount, but rather a percentage of the league's rising (or falling) salary cap
This is the deal that only Sabrina, A’ja (Supermax), Aliyah Boston, and Stewie have
Training Camp Glossary
Terms and Color Legend | Meaning |
|---|---|
Supermax | Higher than the standard max (20% of the cap) - 1.4 Million. Will increase by 3-5% each year |
Max | Standard max (17% of the cap) - 1.19 million. Max will increase by 3-5% each year |
Protected Veteran (PV) | Salaries that are guaranteed to players if they are cut for any reason |
Protected Rookie (PR) | Starting in 2026, the first year of a Top 5 pick’s contract is fully guaranteed. Example: Maddy Siegrist is protected because Dallas picked up her 4th-year option. That’s why Paige is unprotected—she’s only in her 2nd year. |
Unprotected (U) | Contracts that are signed without any salary protections. AKA can be cut at any time at no cost to the team |
Training Camp Contract (TC) | Non-guaranteed contract that doesn’t count towards the salary cap unless they make the opening day roster |
Development Player | Development players are typically young players—eligible if they have 0–3 years of WNBA service, or 4–5 years with limited playing time. |
🟢 Guaranteed to Make the Team | Players highlighted in green are 100% making the roster. |
🔵 Likely to Make the Team | Players highlighted in yellow are on unprotected contracts but have a strong chance of making the team. |
🟠 Competing for a Roster Spot | Players highlighted in orange are on unprotected or training camp contracts and are fighting for a spot. |
(College/Country) | This means they are a rookie, drafted or undrafted |
* | This means they will be arriving late for training camp/ the season because of international commitments |
Team By Team
Las Vegas Aces
The Aces literally brought back their entire roster save for three players and only added three more veterans and two rookies lol. It will always be hard to count the Aces out with A’ja on the roster, but it will be interesting to see if they can repeat last year’s magic. Their extra pieces are solid, with a full season of Cheyenne and a huge spark off the bench in Chennedy Carter. I love this for Chennedy. I think the type of culture Vegas has is perfect for her and will give her the best chance at rehabilitating her image and reviving her career. I am also glad Bri Turner got a spot in the league after slaving away at CBA negotiations. Not sure how she will be as a real replacement for Kiah Stokes, but the pickings were slim. Everyone in their training camp should realistically make the roster, since there are enough spots. Only one cut if they don’t want to make one of the rookies a development player.
I’m assuming they’re saving space for a big UFA signing (my guess is Tina Charles).
The Returners
A’ja Wilson (PV supermax 1.4 mil/3yrs)
Jackie Young (PV max 1.19 mil/1 yrs)
Chelsea Gray (PV 1 mil/3yrs)
Jewell Loyd (PV 800,000/3yrs)
Dana Evans (PV 380,000/2yrs)
Lower leg injury has her sidelined indefinitely
Nalyssa Smith (PV 450,000/ 1yrs)
Kierstan Bell (TC)
Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (TC)
Additions
Chennedy Carter (TC)
Brianna Turner (TC)
Stephanie Talbot (PV 392,500/1yrs)
Draft
Janiah Barker (Tennessee) - 29th pick
Jordan Obi (Kentucky)- 44th Pick
Departures: Kiah Stokes (Valkyries), Megan Gustafson (Portland), Aaliyah Nye (Tempo)
Outlook: Championsip Contenders
Concerns: Will A’ja have help?
Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks are an example of how trying to balance two timelines in basketball is a really hard feat to pull off. They had a solid young core, but last year brought in Kelsey Plum, which kicked off the “young” and “win now” timelines at the same time. Seeing how underutilized Rickea was last season, it feels like Head Coach Lynne Roberts was always more interested in “win now,” and her free agency moves reflect that.
They shipped off Rickea for a more seasoned vet in Ariel Atkins, added Nneka Ogwumike and Erica Wheeler, and secured Rae Burrell. This team isn’t going to win a chip, so I don’t really get not leaning into their youth when they had the chance. But what do I know? Stranger things have happened.
The Returners
Kelsey Plum (PV 999,999/1yr)
Dearica Hamby (PV 1.1 mil/3yrs)
Cameron Brink (493,851 U)
Rae Burrell (TC)
Sania Feagin (U)
Emma Cannon (TC)
Julie Vanloo (TC)
Additions
Ariel Atkins (PV 1 mil/3yrs)
Nneka Ogwumike (PV 950,000/1yr)
Erica Wheeler ( PV 625,000/2yrs)
Sevgi Uzun * (TC)
Jihyun Park (TC)
Laura Ziegler (Louisville) (TC)
Draft
Ta’Niya Latson (South Carolina)- 20th Pick
Chance Gray (Ohio State)- 24th pick
Amelia Hassett (Kentucky)- 35th Pick
Departures: Rickea Jackson (Sky), Azurá Stevens (Sky), Julie Allemand (Tempo), Sarah Ashlee Barker (Portland), Alissa Pili (injured)
Outlook: Playoff Team
@losangelessparks Niya in the cut. #WNBA #trainingcamp #LASparks #taniyalatson
Minnesota Lynx
Nobody could’ve really predicted that after a dominant 2025 campaign, the Lynx would break up (I actually think many people predicted this). The mass exodus out of Minny reflects Cheryl’s unwillingness to pay certain players what other teams offered. Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Bridget Carleton all signed million-dollar contracts, and outside of Lan, I wouldn’t have paid them that either, Cheryl! The Lynx are highkey an example of the parity the league wanted to force. They had players who refused to take less to build a “superteam.” Plus, Cheryl wasn’t going to keep running back a team that couldn’t get the job done. She knows when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.
The other issue is that Phee is still recovering from her second ankle surgery and only signed a one-year deal. She could be following in the footsteps of many a superstar and keeping her foot on the org’s neck, or she could be leaving them wiggle room to sign a team-friendly deal next year, who knows.
I don’t want to underestimate Cheryl, but I don’t see this being anything other than a middle-of-the-pack team, especially now that Dorka is also hurt and they chose to draft a PG over a much-needed big. At least they signed back fan favorites Kayla McBride and Courntey WIlliams while drafting Olivia Miles.
Oh well. I’m always praying on my ops downfall. 😋
The Returners
Napheesa Collier (PV supermax 1.4 mil/1yr)
Got her second leg surgery on March 24th, and “her current timeline to return to court activities is early June.”
Kayla McBride (PV max 1.19 mil/2yrs)
Courtney Williams (PV max 1.19 mil/2yrs)
Dorka Juhasz * (PR 318,910)
Dorka hurt her foot during the semi-finals of the Euroleague championship and did not play in the final. Something to keep an eye on
Jaylyn Sherrod (TC)
Additions
Natasha Howard (PV 700,000/2yrs)
Nia Coffey * (PV 350,000/2yrs)
Aubrey Griffin (U)
Amaya Battle (TC)
Antonia Delaere (TC)
Eliska Hamzova (TC)
Emma Cechova (TC)
Jade Masogayo (TC)
Ra Shayla Kyle (TC)
Regina Richardson (TC)
Sakima Walker (TC)
Saylor Poffenbarger (TC)
Draft
Olivia Miles (TCU)- 2nd Pick
Lani White (Utah)- 45th Pick
Departures: Alanna Smith (Dallas), Bridget Carleton (Portland), Jessica Shepard (Dallas), Natisha Hiedeman (Storm), Dijonai Carrington (Sky), Maria Kliundikova (Tempo)
Outlook: Mid as fuck, possible tank candidate. But who knows, maybe they’ll make something shake if Phee comes back
@minnesotalynx the rook. 5️⃣ #fyp #wnba #minnesota
New York Liberty
SIGH. Ok, let’s talk about the cloud in the room.
With the release of the training camp roster, it’s clear that Natasha Cloud will not be returning to the Liberty. A huge bummer for fans and, I’m sure, Tash. While I love Tash and her energy, she was essentially a replacement for Betnijah. Kolb even closed last season, mentioning he wasn’t sure Tash was the best backcourt partner for Sabrina. I’m also not ready to buy into the idea that she’s being blackballed for her views, but if that turns out to be true, I wouldn’t be surprised. The evidence suggests otherwise. The Liberty never shied away from posting Tash, specifically highlighting her “Free Palestine” bracelets, keffiyeh, and “feed Gaza” shoes on their social media. Plus, the Indiana Fever reportedly offered her a contract, which she turned down (I would too, shiddddd). The real answer is probably a mix of a bad agent, misreading the market, and the current CBA pushing out vets and traditional point guards and centers. I think she was New York or Bust, and NY didn’t have the $$ to offer her more than a little more than the Vet min and a spot off the bench. She does belong on SOMEBODY’S roster, though! It’s nuts that she still hasn’t been signed, yet.
With that being said, I’m very pleased with the roster moves our front office made. Kolb prioritized existing on-court chemistry, signing players from the 2022 Liberty, players who played with Sabrina in college, played with Stewie and JJ overseas, and played with each other overseas. The addition of Satou will be huge for our offensive production, and the importance of Betnijah’s return cannot be understated on the offensive and defensive end. We’re very dangerous this year.
Wish we had more Kneegrows though.
The Returners
Sabrina Ionescu (PV 1.19 mil/3yrs)
Breanna Stewart * (PV 1.19/3yrs)
4/23 Update: Stewie is back!
Jonquel Jones
Betnijah Laney- Hamilton (PV 400,00/1yrs)
Leoine Fiebich *(293,510 U)
Rebekah Gardner (TC)
Marine Johannes *
Additions
Satou Sabally (PV 815,000/2yrs)
Rebecca Allen (350,000 U)
Raquel Carrera * (TC)
Marine Fauthoux - DEVELOPMENT PLAYER
Pauline Astier* (TC)
Currently hoopin’ in Poland, the last day of her season is Sunday.
Han Xu (TC)
Anneli Maley (TC)
Alex Fowler (TC)
Ashley Oqusu (TC)
Derin Erdogan (TC)
NY’Ceara Pryor (TC)
Ugonne ONyiah (TC)
Draft
Manuela Pouch (Australia)- 41st Pick
Departures: Isabelle Harrison (Tempo), Nyara Sabally (Tempo),Adja Kane (Tempo), Kennedy Burke (CT), Emma Meesseman (?), Stephanie Talbot (Aces), Natasha Cloud (?)
Outlook: Championship Contenders
@nyliberty Kurtis if you see this, we’re sorry 😭 #nyliberty #trainingcamp #socks
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury suffered a huge blow when Satou decided to sign with the Liberty at a discount instead of returning to the desert. This leaves a Satou-sized hole in their offense, and the only big free agent they signed is French vet Valériane Ayayi, who can definitely help offensively, but I’m skeptical about them mostly running it back.
The one thing I will give Phoenix is that they proved last year they have an eye for talent, even if we haven’t heard of the player before. So imma let Nate and co. cook.
The Returners
Alyssa Thomas (PV a little over the max 1.2 mil/3yrs)
Sami Whitcomb ( PV 735,00/2yrs)
Kahleah Cooper (PV a little over the max 1.2 mil/2yrs)
Dewanna Bonner (500,000 U)
Natasha Mack (303,600/2yrs U)
Monique Akoa Makani ** (300,000/2yrs U)
Kathryn Westbeld ** (TC)
Kiana Williams (TC)
Additions
Valériana Ayayi ** (PV 500,000/1yrs)
Jillian Alleyne (TC)
Noémie Brochant ** (TC)
Sha Carter (TC)
Shay Ciezki (TC)
Maggie Doogan (Richmond) (TC)
Kara Dunn (TC)
Yarden Garzon (TC)
Lauren Jensen (TC)
Lee Seul Kang ** (TC)
Kyara Linskens **(TC)
Morgan Maly (TC)
Jaime Nared (TC)
Jovana Nogic ** (TC)
Ashten Precthel (TC)
Draft
Eszter Ratkai (Hungary)- 42nd Pick -Not coming over
Departures: Kalani Brown(Contract Divorce), Satou Sabally (Liberty), Lexi Held(Tempo)
Outlook: Playoff Contender
@phoenixmercury welcome to Camp Mercury 🏕️🫡#phoenixmercury #alyssathomas #trainingcamp #kahleahcopper #wnba
Portland Fire
I don’t know anything about this team and often forget they exist.
This team really is a collection of role players. Maya Cadwell, Sug Sutton, Meg Gustafson,etc… This isn’t a team you build if you actually want to be competitive this year. It’s the team you build if you want to tank for Sarah Strong or Juju Watkins.
They paid Bridget Carleton $1.2 million. They will be a mess.
Expansion Draft
Bridget Carleton (PV max 1.19/3yrs) - From the Lynx
Megan Gustafson (PV 500,000/2yrs) - From the Aces
Haley Jones (PV 300,000/1yrs) - From the Wings
Sug Sutton (425,000 U) - From the Mystics
Luisa Giselsöder (325,000 U) - From the Wings
Nika Muhl (Contract Suspended) - From Seattle
Sarah Ashlee Barker (289,133 U) - From LA
Carla Leite * (289,133 U) - From Golden State
Portland paid a contract buyout for Carla, and she has officially landed in Portland.
Nyadiew Puoch (289,133 U) - From the Dream
Chloe Bibby (TC) - From the Fever
Maya Cadwell (TC) - From the Dream
Emily Engstler (TC) - From the Mystics
Free Agents
Karlie Samuelson ( PV 360,000/1yrs)
Jordan Harrison (TC)
Teja Oblak* (TC)
Kamiah Smalls (TC)
Peyton Williams (TC
Draft
Iyana Martin (Spain)- 7th Pick
Frieda Buhner (German)- 17th Pick DEVELOPMENT PLAYER
Taylot Bigby (TCU)- 37th Pick
Serah Willaims (UCONN)- 33rd Pick
Outlook: #Tank4JuJu
Seattle Storm
The Storm finally gave up on their old vets and are leaning into the rebuild. Fortunately for them, they have great cornerstone pieces to build around. Dom is poised to have a big year with more freedom to play and make mistakes than last year, and if you add the 3rd pick, Awa Fam, to the picture, you have a very dynamic frontcourt. I’m not sure what they plan to do with Ezi, but they paid her, so lol. I’m excited for the return of Jordan Horston, who is coming off an ACL tear, and to see both Hiedeman and Jade Melbourne with more playing time and room to flex their PG skills. Stefanie Dolson is such a solid vet, too, perfect for this young group.
Overall, I think they’ll win a few games, but they’re definitely going to be a bottom team.
The Returners
Dominique Malonga (466,912 U)
After “unilaterally terminating” her 3-year contract with Turkish club Fenerbache, Dom was at risk of not being cleared by FIBA to play in the WNBA. Good news, she was cleared and can start the WNBA season on time.
Ezi Magbegor (PV a little over the max 1.2 mil/3yrs)
Zia Cooke (TC)
Jordan Hourston (PR 332,278/ 1yrs)
still recovering from ACL tear, no return date
Mackenzie Holmes (TC)
Kaite Lou Samuelson (PV 420,000/ 2yrs)
Lexie Brown (PV 277,500)
Additions
Stefanie Dolson (PV 750,000/1yr)
Jade Melbourne ( PV 500,000/ 1yr)
Natisha Hiedeman (PV 750,000 2/yrs)
Jaelyn Brown (TC)
Rennia Davis (TC)
Beatrice Mompremier (TC)
Elle Ladine (TC)
Jalyn Brown( TC)
Draft
Awa Fam( Spain) *- 3rd Pick
Currently playing in Spain and will arrive sometime in mid-May
Flau’Jae Johnson (LSU) - 8th Pick
Taina Mair (Duke) - 14th Pick
Grace VanSlooten (Michigan State)- 39th Pick
Departures: Skylar Diggins (Sky), Nneka Oguwemike (Sparks), Gabby Williams (Valkyries), Erica Wheeler (Sparks), Nika Muhl (Portland)
Outlook: Rebuild Mode
@seattlestorm bestie vibes fr 🤞 #wnba #seattlestorm #QOTD
Toronto Tempo
Sandy Brondello is not the developing kind, and her recruiting and expansion picks show that. Sandy and the Tempo went out and got experienced players like Julie, Marina, Sykes, María Conde, Kitija Laksa, and others she knows can learn quickly. She chose Nyara Sabally from the Liberty because she’s already familiar with her system and coaches, and she went and got Isabelle Harrison, her former player from Phoenix. They built a team that will be ready to compete from day one.
Shout out to them for getting the hometown kid, Kia Nurse. Canadian Legend right there.
I don’t think they’ll be like the Valkyries and have amazing success, but this will be a solid, well-coached team that can make a playoff push.
Expansion Draft:
Marina Mabrey (PV a little more than the max 1.2mil/ 2yrs) - From the Sun
Julie Allemand * (PV 425,000/ 2yrs) - From the Sparks
Nyara Sabally (PR 436,957) - From the Liberty
Aaliyah Nye (277,500 U) - From the Aces
Kristy Wallace * (TC) - From the Fever
Maria Conde * (TC) - From Golden State
Lexi Held * (TC) - From the Mercury
Nikolina Milić * (TC) - From the Lynx
Kitija Laksa * (TC) - From the Mercury
Free Agency:
Brittney Sykes (PV max 1.19/ 2yrs)
Kia Nurse (PV 277,500)
Maddison Rocci (TC)
Elizabeth Balogun (TC)
Isabelle Harrison ( 400,000 U)
Laura Juškaitė (TC)
Dara Mabrey (TC)
Draft
Kiki Rice (UCLA)- 6th pick
Teonni Key (Kentucky)- 22nd Pick
Saffron Shiels (Australia)- 26th Pick
Charlise Dunn (Davidson)- 36th Pick
Outlook: Mid Team that could be fun and makes a lil playoff push.
@torontotempo Canada’s BEEN ready for this one. Hey, Kia! 👋
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics vets, Michaela Onyenwere (26) and Shakira Austin (25), might as well be senior citizens on a roster with an average age of just 20. This young ass team is going to be fun, but so unserious.
I am confused at how the front office packed the front court. Instead of creating a team where Kiki, Sonia, and Georgia can flourish, they gave Shakira Austin a three-year max deal?? And drafted Lauren Betts?? This feels like the same problem that led them to trade Aaliyah Edwards. All without getting any outside shooting. The bright side is that I expect Sonia and Lucy Olsen to take a lot more shots this year. Lucy is coming off a great season in the WNBL, where she won 6th woman of the year.
I would like to see this team commit to the rebuild and not solely focus on win-now.
The Returners
Shakira Austin * (PV max 1.19/3yrs)
She is still in China but should be returning soon
Kiki Iriafen (407,163 U)
Sonia Citron (436,016 U)
Georgia Amoore (355,058 U)
Fully cleared to play!
Lucy Olsen (277,500 U)
Madison Scott (277,500 U)
Additions
Michaela Onyenwere (PV 700,00/2yrs)
Nyla Harris (TC)
Mya Hollingshed (TC)
Christeen Iquala (TC)
Kamaria McDahniel (TC)
Alex Wilson (TC)
Draft
Lauren Betts (UCLA)- 4th Pick'
Angela Dugalic (UCLA) - 9th Pick
Cotie McMahon (Ole Miss)- 11th Pick
Cassandre Prosper (Notre Dame)-19th Pick
Darianna Littlepage-Buggs(Baylor)- 30th Pick- DEVELOPMENT PLAYER
Rori Harmon (Texas)- 34th Pick
Departures: Stefanie Dolson(Storm), Jade Melbourne(Storm), Alysha Clark (Dallas), Emily Engstler (Portland), Jacy Sheldon (Sky)
Outlook: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
@washmystics 🗣️ ROLL CALL
Updates
Kamilla Cardoso has returned to Chicago and joined training camp
Dallas Wings Waived
Shyanne Sellers
Grace Sullivan
What’s Next?
Training camp: April 19th
Opening Day: Rosters due May 7th
Preseason: Preseason Games Start SATURDAY, APRIL 25th!
For the first time ever, ALL preseason games are available to watch on League Pass for FREE
Season: Opening Day is May 8th
Media Highlights
Check out some of the cool podcasts, videos, reads, and fashion I saw this week.
