On Monday, April 6, WNBA free agency made waves with a splashy Angel Reese trade.
The Chicago Sky traded its forward to the Atlanta Dream for a picks package, ending Reese’s time with the franchise after just two seasons. Following the trade, Reese posted a video tribute to Chicago on her Instagram. “To the city of Chicago, you showed me real love from day one,” Reese said in a video montage. “Thank you, Chicago. Always Chi-Town Barbie.”
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The WNBA’s free agency period continues Tuesday, April 7, with the designation period, where qualifying offers and core player designations can be sent. The negotiation period then begins on Wednesday, April 8, continuing for three days. Following the negotiation period, teams and players will be able to sign new contracts on Saturday, April 11.
As signings and trades become real, USA TODAY tracks the biggest movements of top names:
This story will be regularly updated as league transactions happen.
Trade: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream
Type of free agent: N/A
Background: After a tumultuous second season with Sky that included a suspension for comments Reese made about Sky and her teammates, Reese said she still planned to play for the Sky during her third season. “I’m under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky,” the forward said in December. Now, she moves on to Atlanta in a trade for picks.
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Team player traded to: Atlanta Dream
Expected Contract: Reese is still on her rookie contract. When drafted by Chicago in 2024, the former Sky forward signed a four-year, $324,383 contract, including an average annual salary of $81,096. In 2026, Reese will earn a base salary of $350,692, while carrying a cap hit of $350,692.
Signing: C A’ja Wilson
Type of free agent: Urestricted free agent
Background: After winning her third championship with the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson has zero desire to move from the franchise. “I’m not leaving Vegas,” Wilson said on April 3.
Team player signed with: Las Vegas Aces
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Expected Contract: Wilson is expected to re-sign with the team on a WNBA supermax salary of $1.4 million
Signing: F Breanna Stewart
Type of free agent: Urestricted free agent
Background: Breanna Stewart made it clear that there is no other place she would rather play than New York. “I will be staying in New York. I’m not planning on taking any free agency meetings, even though I am an unrestricted free agent,” Stewart said on a recent episode of her podcast.
Team player signed with: New York Liberty
Expected Contract: TBD
Signing: G Sabrina Ionescu
Type of free agent: Urestricted free agent
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Background: Sabriona Ionescu has found a home with the New York Liberty and doesn’t plan to be anywhere else. “Obviously, I’m where I’m supposed to be. Never thought anything different. And so, I’m excited to kind of be able to sign and get started,” Ionescu said.
Team player signed with: New York Liberty
Expected Contract: TBD
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA free agency 2026 live updates, signings, trades for every team
