The race for the 2025 WNBA championship is all the way down to 4 groups.
The New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries had been all eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs, becoming a member of the Connecticut Solar, Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Washington Mystics and Los Angeles Sparks in turning their focus to 2026.
That is anticipated to be one of the vital pivotal offseasons in WNBA historical past. The league and the gamers are negotiating a brand new collective bargaining settlement (CBA); two new groups in Portland and Toronto will be a part of the league and maintain an growth draft; and there will likely be an unprecedented variety of free brokers, provided that many gamers signed one-year offers after the gamers’ affiliation (WNBPA) opted final October to terminate the present CBA. The draft lottery may even decide which workforce will get the No. 1 decide within the 2026 draft.
Within the meantime, we’re breaking down potential strikes for every WNBA franchise as its season ends, together with a take a look at the state of every roster, workforce wants and priorities for every entrance workplace.
(Be aware: All gamers listed as “reserved” can develop into free brokers if no qualifying provide is prolonged from their present workforce.)
Soar to a workforce:
ATL | CHI | CON | DAL | GSV | LA | NY | SEA | WAS
Eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs
2025 document: 27-17 (fifth)
Free brokers: Breanna Stewart (unrestricted), Sabrina Ionescu (unrestricted), Jonquel Jones (unrestricted), Natasha Cloud (unrestricted), Kennedy Burke (unrestricted), Isabelle Harrison (unrestricted), Emma Meesseman (unrestricted), Stephanie Talbot (unrestricted), Rebekah Gardner (reserved), Marine Johannes (reserved), Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Annika Soltau, Raquel Carrera, Seehia Ridard (expiring suspended contracts)
2026 draft capital: Personal third-round decide
Season recap: The Liberty returned almost all of their gamers from the 2024 title run (excluding Laney-Hamilton, who was injured within the offseason and didn’t play in 2025, and Kayla Thornton, who went to Golden State within the growth draft). The Liberty started the season with optimism about doubtlessly defending their championship. They began the yr 9-0, however accidents and inconsistency derailed these ambitions as Jones, Stewart, Cloud and Ionescu all missed video games. New York signed three-time EuroLeague MVP Meesseman, the 2019 WNBA Finals MVP, on Aug. 1, however the transfer did not have the supposed affect due to a brief runway and shifting lineups. A 12-11 regular-season document after the All-Star break dropped the Liberty to the No. 5 seed, however they had been lastly (principally) wholesome when their first-round sequence started. They gained Sport 1 towards the Mercury, however Stewart suffered an MCL sprain in time beyond regulation. She was hampered shifting ahead, and Phoenix gained the subsequent two video games to oust the defending champs. The Liberty owned the league’s most proficient roster however didn’t capitalize on it.
Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty fell wanting returning to the WNBA Finals. Catalina Fragoso/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
State of the roster: The Liberty have solely two gamers beneath contract for 2026 — Nyara Sabally and Leonie Fiebich — and only one decide within the 2026 draft, so the roster is in flux. Relying on the CBA negotiations, the Liberty will doubtless core Ionescu or Cloud, however beneath present CBA guidelines, couldn’t core Stewart or Jones.
High entrance workplace precedence: Two phrases: free company. The Liberty want a workforce for 2026, and due to restricted draft capital and gamers on present rookie contracts, they should assemble that workforce by way of free company. Anticipate New York’s entrance workplace to aggressively pursue gamers from the present roster, in addition to probably add a few new faces. Basic supervisor Jonathan Kolb has made huge splashes lately.
Greatest offseason query: The largest query is the only one, and maybe dealing with most groups this offseason: Who’s coming again? This offseason may very well be easy if Stewart, Jones, Ionescu and Cloud all re-sign and this model of the Liberty core makes one other run at it. Or … some or all of them transfer on. — Katie Barnes
2025 document: 23-21 (seventh)
Free brokers: Skylar Diggins (unrestricted), Ezi Magbegor (unrestricted), Tiffany Mitchell (unrestricted), Nneka Ogwumike (unrestricted), Katie Lou Samuelson (unrestricted), Brittney Sykes (unrestricted), Erica Wheeler (unrestricted), Gabby Williams (unrestricted), Zia Cooke (reserved), Mackenzie Holmes (reserved)
2026 draft capital: Personal third-round decide, plus first-round picks coming from Los Angeles and Las Vegas and a second-round decide from Dallas
Season recap: The beginning of August was a stress level for Seattle. Tied for fourth within the league coming into the month, a six-game shedding streak despatched the Storm reeling. They recovered sufficient to make the playoffs — and, maybe extra crucially, guarantee their draft lottery decide from the Sparks — however acquired caught matching up with Las Vegas within the opening spherical for a second consecutive yr. Whereas Seattle was aggressive towards the WNBA’s prime groups within the common season, beating each playoff workforce besides Indiana twice, that did not translate because the Aces knocked the Storm out of the postseason for the third time in 4 years.
State of the roster: Solely two gamers are beneath contract for 2026: veteran guard Lexie Brown, who struggled to seek out constant enjoying time this season, and 2025 No. 2 decide Dominique Malonga. The latter is the centerpiece of the subsequent technology for the Storm, who will add two first-round picks subsequent spring and get 2023 first-rounder Jordan Horston again from an ACL tear in 2026. If Seattle goes to stay in playoff rivalry, although, sustaining the veteran presence offered by All-Stars Diggins and Ogwumike may very well be essential.
High entrance workplace precedence: Discovering extra taking pictures. The Storm completed ninth in makes and makes an attempt from 3-point vary, a key think about rating eighth in offensive ranking — forward of just one playoff workforce, the Golden State Valkyries. Seattle tried in free company, however Samuelson was misplaced to an ACL tear and Alysha Clark fell out of the rotation earlier than a midseason commerce for Sykes. The Storm’s younger core might use a knockdown shooter to enhance Malonga.
Greatest offseason query: Ought to Seattle proceed a two-timelines method? Buying and selling Jewell Loyd for the decide used to get Malonga meant growing the promising teenager, who ranked No. 4 in ESPN’s 25 beneath 25 gamers, whereas additionally attempting to win now. The optimistic view was she might develop into a star rapidly sufficient to enhance shut associates Diggins and Ogwumike whereas they’re nonetheless able to main a contending workforce. That turned harder to justify throughout the Storm’s second-half swoon. Assist from Diggins and Ogwumike was essential to Noelle Quinn, the WNBA’s second-longest tenured coach after Cheryl Reeve, sustaining her place final offseason. If that modifications, or if Seattle’s entrance workplace decides to maneuver towards a youthful group that is extra on Malonga’s timeline, there may very well be turnover on the sidelines. — Kevin Pelton
2025 document: 30-14 (third)
Free brokers: Brittney Griner (unrestricted), Brionna Jones (unrestricted), Jordin Canada (unrestricted), Allisha Grey (unrestricted), Nia Coffey (unrestricted), Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (unrestricted), Rhyne Howard (restricted), Naz Hillmon (restricted), Maya Caldwell (reserved)
2026 draft capital: Personal first-, second-, third-round picks
Season recap: Below new management in Karl Smesko and a brand new offensive system, the Dream thrived, placing collectively their finest season in years. They improved in almost each statistical class from a yr in the past, going from third to first in rebounding (36.6 per recreation), twelfth to 3rd in assists (21.4 per recreation) and tenth to 3rd in 3-pointers made (421). They’re additionally second in offensive ranking — they completed in final place a season in the past — and defensive ranking. Their 30 wins are additionally a single-season league document for a first-year WNBA coach. Additionally they lastly gained a postseason recreation for the primary time since 2018.
State of the roster: Te-Hina Paopao and Taylor Thierry will nonetheless be beneath their rookie contracts, making them the one gamers assured to return. Paopao, the 18th total decide in 2025, carved out a strong function in her rookie season, beginning 17 video games and averaging 5.8 factors on 43.8% taking pictures and a couple of.4 assists.
Te-Hina Paopao is assured to return to Atlanta subsequent season — however can the Dream retain their core trio of Naz Hillmon, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Grey? Brett Davis-Imagn Photographs
High entrance workplace precedence: The Dream must discover a solution to retain their core of Grey, Howard and Hillmon. Atlanta common supervisor Dan Padover informed ESPN the trio has been the centerpiece for the franchise’s rebuild over the previous 4 years — and when the Dream drafted Howard and Hillmon in 2022 and traded for Grey the subsequent yr, the plan was to maintain them round long run.
Greatest offseason query: What does Griner’s future in Atlanta appear to be? Her arrival final offseason was shocking, and there have been much more questions on how she — in addition to Jones, two dominant bigs — would work in Smesko’s offensive system that is constructed round shooters. Griner averaged simply 9.8 factors per recreation, her fewest factors since her rookie yr (12.6). She additionally performed a career-low 20.8 minutes. — Kendra Andrews
2025 document: 23-21 (eighth)
Free brokers: Tiffany Hayes (unrestricted), Kayla Thornton (unrestricted), Monique Billings (unrestricted), Temi Fagbenle (unrestricted), Kaila Charles (unrestricted), Cecilia Zandalasini (restricted), Veronica Burton (restricted), Kaitlyn Chen (reserved), Janelle Salaun (reserved), Iliana Rupert (reserved), Laeticia Amihere (reserved)
2026 draft capital: Personal first-, second- and third-round picks
Season recap: The Valkyries made historical past of their first season, changing into the primary growth franchise to make the playoffs in its inaugural yr. A roster constructed up of former sixth girls, the Valkyries stated they all the time maintained the assumption that they’d outperform expectations and what earlier growth groups had achieved, however acknowledged even they had been a bit stunned by simply how rapidly the group constructed its chemistry. This was much more the case after Thornton — on the time a candidate for Most Improved Participant — was misplaced for the season to a knee damage in July. The award as an alternative went to teammate Burton. Golden State had the chance to complete as excessive as sixth within the common season however completed eighth due to some late-season losses and tiebreakers. Nonetheless, even making the postseason in its first yr is an unimaginable feat.
Can the Valkyries retain WNBA Most Improved Participant Veronica Burton, left, and Kayla Thornton for subsequent season? Noah Graham/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
State of the roster: Solely Kate Martin and Carla Leite aren’t free brokers for the Valkyries. Each had been essential rotation gamers for WNBA Coach of the Yr Natalie Nakase, with Leite additionally beginning six video games. However neither are going to be the nucleus for this workforce. Golden State proprietor Joe Lacob needs to maintain as many gamers from of this roster collectively as he can, however it will likely be a tall activity.
High entrance workplace precedence: Bringing again as many gamers as attainable, particularly Thornton and Burton. If the Valkyries need to proceed to construct off this spectacular season, they should retain these two guards who’re the leaders of this workforce on and off the courtroom.
Greatest offseason query: The Valkyries thought they had been a fascinating touchdown spot earlier than they’d even performed one recreation. Now, after this historic season, they imagine much more they’ll entice huge names. Can the entrance workplace land a star in free company? A part of the Valkyries’ feel-good story was how profitable they had been with a roster filled with former rotation gamers. To proceed to construct, they need to goal a game-changing participant. — Andrews
Eradicated within the common season
2025 document: 21-23 (ninth)
Free brokers: Julie Allemand (restricted), Emma Cannon (unrestricted), Dearica Hamby (unrestricted), Alissa Pili (reserved), Kelsey Plum (unrestricted), Azura Stevens (unrestricted), Julie Vanloo (reserved)
2026 draft capital: Personal second-round decide, Seattle’s second-round picks, personal third-round decide. Traded their first-round decide to Seattle
Season recap: Lynne Roberts left Utah and the school recreation to teach within the WNBA for the primary time. File sensible, her Sparks improved rather a lot from final season’s 8-32 last-place end, and regardless of starting the summer season with a 5-13 document, had performed comparatively solidly after the All-Star break. They remained in rivalry for the playoffs till the third-to-last night time of the season. Nonetheless, a franchise that for a few years was virtually computerized about reaching the playoffs has now missed the postseason for the fifth yr in a row.
State of the roster: Publish gamers Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink and Sania Feagin, and guard Sarah Ashlee Barker will nonetheless be on their rookie contracts. Jackson has had essentially the most success, averaging 14 factors and three.6 rebounds over two seasons. Brink returned from an ACL damage that reduce brief her 2024 rookie season, enjoying 19 video games this yr and averaging 5.1 factors and 4.3 rebounds. The Sparks hope each of their 2024 lottery picks are long-term pillars for the workforce.
Los Angeles will hope its 2024 draft lottery picks, Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink, might be long-term pillars. Juan Ocampo/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
High entrance workplace precedence: Bringing again Plum, the workforce’s main scorer, and Hamby and Stevens, its prime rebounders. After the Sparks had been eradicated Sept. 9, Coach Roberts stated she is hopeful that the franchise can hold its core collectively as she believes the Sparks can construct rather a lot on the progress made this season. She additionally stated her greatest disappointment was a number of the shut video games the Sparks felt acquired away from them, however that have ought to assist subsequent season.
Greatest offseason query: How a lot better can Brink be? Offered gamers similar to Plum — who requested to be traded from Las Vegas final offseason — select to stay in Los Angeles, possibly the largest key for Roberts and common supervisor Raegan Pebley will likely be Brink’s ongoing restoration. Brink averaged 7.5 factors in 2024 earlier than she was injured, and it appeared as if she was actually beginning to construct confidence across the time she acquired harm. This yr, she returned to motion however did not appear very snug offensively. Brink nonetheless has an opportunity to be one of many league’s affect gamers, which might be an enormous enhance for the Sparks. — Michael Voepel
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2025 document: 16-28 (tenth)
Free brokers: Shakira Austin (restricted), Alysha Clark (unrestricted), Stefanie Dolson (unrestricted), Emily Engstler (reserved), Jade Melbourne, Madison Scott (reserved), Sug Sutton (restricted)
2026 draft capital: Personal picks in all three rounds — Seattle’s first-round decide, New York’s first-round decide (by way of swap with Connecticut), Minnesota’s second-round decide
Season recap: The Mystics actually had two completely different seasons. By way of Aug. 5 with a 13-15 document, they had been battling for a playoff spot behind three All-Stars: rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen and first-time veteran Brittney Sykes. After buying and selling Sykes to Seattle to get the Storm’s first-round decide for 2026, Washington then struggled down the stretch. The Mystics completed the season on a 10-game shedding streak, which might enable them to maneuver up within the draft lottery order, pending the Sparks’ season finale. The late slide cannot take away the thrill about Citron and Iriafen, each locks for the All-Rookie first workforce.
Washington will look to construct round its rookie All-Stars Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron for 2026. David Dow/NBAE by way of Getty Photographs
State of the roster: After holding two of this yr’s prime 4 draft picks, Washington will once more add younger expertise within the spring. Seattle’s late slide will give the Mystics three draft picks within the prime 11 to affix Citron and Iriafen. The opposite long-term constructing block for Washington is heart Austin, who lastly loved a wholesome season and averaged a career-high 12.7 PPG. A restricted free agent this offseason, the previous No. 3 decide remains to be simply 25 years outdated. With so many rookie contracts on the books, the Mystics have the choice of being aggressive in free company.
High entrance workplace precedence: Scouting the 2026 draft. Citron and Iriafen each ranked amongst our prime 10 gamers beneath 25 final month, however Washington might nonetheless use one other high-end prospect. Whether or not the Mystics transfer up in place to draft that participant within the spring might go a great distance towards figuring out their offseason technique. If Washington comes out of the lottery with the No. 4 or No. 5 decide, the entrance workplace might intention to take one other swing in 2027 when USC star JuJu Watkins may very well be out there.
Greatest offseason query: How a lot can the Mystics count on from Georgia Amoore? The workforce’s third 2025 first-round decide, No. 6 total, Moore suffered a season-ending ACL tear throughout coaching camp. Washington’s restricted ballhandling choices after the Sykes commerce helped trigger the late shedding streak. If Amoore is a long-term starter at level guard, the Mystics can focus their assets on including alongside Citron on the wing. Given the timing of Amoore’s damage, nevertheless, she might not play in a aggressive recreation earlier than the 2026 preseason. — Kevin Pelton
2025 document: 11-33 (eleventh)
Free brokers: Lindsay Allen (unrestricted), Tina Charles (unrestricted), Bria Hartley (unrestricted), Marina Mabrey (unrestricted), Olivia Nelson-Ododa (restricted), Haley Peters (restricted), Mamignan Toure (reserved)
2026 draft capital: Personal two first-round picks (by way of Phoenix and by way of Minnesota), one second-round, one third-round
Tina Charles and Marina Mabrey are each unrestricted free brokers this offseason. Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
Season recap: It has been a troublesome season for the Solar. They went 2-8 of their first 10 video games and gained 11 video games total — and but, it was troublesome to rely them out late within the season. They performed the Liberty shut on Aug. 25, and beat the Mercury at residence on Sept. 6. By way of the losses, a younger core emerged in Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow and Saniya Rivers. The Solar traded for former UConn star Aaliyah Edwards previous to the deadline and likewise rostered rookie Rayah Marshall. This group of gamers was a much-needed shiny spot, contemplating this yr’s profitable proportion (.256) was the bottom in franchise historical past.
State of the roster: The Solar have a transparent core of younger gamers and query marks in every single place else. Additionally they have solely the gamers on rookie offers beneath contract for subsequent season: Lacan, Morrow, Rivers, Edwards and Marshall. Everybody else is a free agent of some kind. How these chips fall will dictate the subsequent strikes by the entrance workplace, however count on GM Morgan Tuck to take a run at retaining Nelson-Ododa, Charles and Mabrey.
High entrance workplace precedence: The Solar must construct round their younger core by way of the draft, and search for worth in free company. Signing Charles forward of the 2025 season is an efficient instance of worth paying off. And since Uncasville is probably not a lovely vacation spot for top-tier free brokers, the Solar should be inventive in wooing worldwide prospects.
Greatest offseason query: What’s the way forward for the franchise? The Solar are embroiled in battle round a attainable sale. It’s not clear if it is going to occur, or to whom — or if the Solar will likely be in Connecticut, New England or some place else completely. What is evident is that the Connecticut Solar will stay the Connecticut Solar and play in Uncasville for the 2026 season. Past subsequent season, although, issues are far more unsure, which might additional complicate signing expertise in free company. — Katie Barnes
2025 document: 10-34 (twelfth)
Free brokers: Rebecca Allen (unrestricted), Ariel Atkins (unrestricted), Rachel Banham (unrestricted), Kia Nurse (unrestricted), Michaela Onyenwere (unrestricted), Sevgi Uzun (reserved) , Courtney Vandersloot (unrestricted), Elizabeth Williams (unrestricted)
2026 draft capital: Personal picks in all three rounds — Phoenix’s first-round decide, their very own second-round decide, New York’s second-round decide, personal third-round decide. Nevertheless, Minnesota (by way of commerce) has Chicago’s authentic first-round decide, which means the Lynx could have the lottery choice, not the Sky.
Chicago should discover a solution to repair its points this offseason — starting with the connection with Angel Reese. Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
Season recap: Below new coach Tyler Marsh, the Sky misplaced by 35 factors of their season opener at Indiana — and issues did not enhance from there. Chicago by no means gained greater than two video games in a row, doing that simply twice, and missed the playoffs for the second yr in a row. Longtime Sky level guard Vandersloot returned to the workforce after two years in New York however was misplaced for the season on June 7 with a knee damage. In early September, Angel Reese’s printed remarks in regards to the franchise needing “nice” gamers additionally brought on a stir together with her teammates. She later apologized to them and was suspended for half a recreation. However what she stated struck a chord with many annoyed followers. As a consequence of a league suspension for getting her eighth technical foul, the workforce suspension and again points, Reese didn’t play within the Sky’s final 4 video games.
State of the roster: Reese and Kamilla Cardoso (the workforce’s main scorers and rebounders), fellow put up participant Maddy Westbeld and guard Hailey Van Lith all stay on rookie contracts. Vandersloot turns 37 earlier than the beginning of subsequent season however stated she intends to return after rehabbing her knee. With free company extra crucial than ever this offseason, the Sky do not seem well-positioned to attract prime gamers. However bringing again an identical workforce in 2026 will not work. As Reese informed the Chicago Tribune, “I am not settling for a similar s— we did this yr.”
High entrance workplace precedence: Repair the connection with Reese. Or determine find out how to half methods with out alienating the fan base — which might be a tall order. Maybe Reese may need waited till after the season to make her remarks in order to not offend her present teammates, however the substance of what she stated has advantage.
Greatest offseason query: Is common supervisor Jeff Pagliocca on the new seat? He was employed because the workforce’s first standalone GM in October 2023 (till that time, the Sky mixed the GM and head coach roles). Often called a talent improvement guru, he had labored with the franchise in that capability for 4 seasons earlier than getting into the GM function. However does that translate to mastering workforce building? The Sky’s plummet the previous two years, after 5 consecutive playoff appearances, is regarding. Teresa Weatherspoon was fired as coach after a 13-27 end in 2024; Marsh’s document was worse. Pagliocca additionally traded the Sky’s No. 3 decide within the 2025 draft to Washington for veteran guard Atkins. She’s an excellent participant, however will flip 30 subsequent July. Chicago might have as an alternative stored the decide and drafted guard Sonia Citron, 21, from close by Notre Dame, who ended up changing into an All-Star for the Mystics this season and is beneath a rookie contract. — Voepel
2025 document: 10-34 (thirteenth)
Free brokers: Grace Berger (reserved), Luisa Geiselsoder (reserved), Tyasha Harris (unrestricted), Myisha Hines-Allen (unrestricted), Haley Jones (reserved), Arike Ogunbowale (unrestricted), Li Yueru (reserved)
2026 draft capital: Personal first- and third-round picks. Traded second-round decide to Seattle
Season recap: Dallas fired coach Latricia Trammell after going 9-31 in 2024, changing her with first-year head coach Chris Koclanes and common supervisor Curt Miller, a longtime WNBA coach/GM. Then the Wings began this season 1-11, gained simply twice after July 30 and missed the playoffs for a second consecutive yr. This yr’s No. 1 draft decide Paige Bueckers delivered on her potential and is anticipated to be named Rookie of the Yr. However accidents and offseason strikes that did not work (similar to bringing in DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith, each of whom had been then traded midseason) doomed the Wings to ending within the WNBA’s cellar.
State of the roster: Bueckers will enter the second season of her rookie deal, together with fellow guards Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly. All three offered a lot of the workforce’s coronary heart this season. Ahead Maddy Siegrist and guard Diamond Miller will enter the choice (fourth) yr of their rookie offers from 2023. Siegrist missed the second half of June and all of July with a knee damage however has performed properly since returning in August. Miller, the 2023 No. 2 decide, was acquired from Minnesota in an August commerce and nonetheless hopes to seek out constant minutes.
High entrance workplace precedence: Construct the workforce round Bueckers, a franchise-changing participant who has adjusted rapidly to the professional recreation.
How will Dallas construct round Paige Bueckers? Is Arike Ogunbowale’s time with the franchise nearing its finish? The Wings have rather a lot to contemplate this offseason. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Photographs
Greatest offseason query: Is it time for the Wings and Ogunbowale to half? She has been the face of the franchise since being chosen No. 5 within the 2019 draft. She was restricted to 29 video games this season, not enjoying after Aug. 10 due to knee tendinitis. She additionally recorded the bottom scoring common (15.5 PPG) and area objective proportion (36.4) of her WNBA profession. Ogunbowale will flip 29 in March, so she remains to be in her prime and will resolve to see what the remainder of the league has to supply. The Wings could also be able to completely reconstruct round Bueckers. — Voepel