2026 WNBA free agency live: News, top moves for every team

WNBA free agency is off to the races as the league prepares for the 2026 season.

The week has been full of moves since the period began on Monday, starting with Angel Reese’s trade to Atlanta. On Tuesday, April 7, big names like Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum and Kelsey Mitchell all received core tags from their respective teams.

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The tag means a player is essential to the team’s overall success and identity. Any player given a core tag would no longer be an unrestricted free agent, and the team owns the exclusive rights to that player. Per the WNBA CBA, the player will be offered a one-year supermax contract (worth $1.4 million), but different terms can be negotiated with the team. Also, if the two sides reach an impasse, they can partner to negotiate a sign-and-trade agreement.

On Wednesday, the negotiation period will begin, allowing teams to speak with players and agree to terms over the next 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:

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

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All-time WNBA MVPs, ranked 1-16

Report: Satou Sabally won’t return to Phoenix Mercury

Per a Front Office Sports report, free agent forward Satou Sabally, who spent the 2025 season with Phoenix, is not expected to return to the team.

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Sabally was moved to the franchise in February 2025 as part of a three-team trade between the Mercury, Wings, and Fever. The veteran forward joined Phoenix after a five-year stint in Dallas, which included two WNBA All-Star nods, All-WNBA First Team honors and a WNBA Most Improved Player award in 2023.

Sabally, who added another All-Star nod to her resume last season, started 39 games for Phoenix, averaging 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game on 40.4% shooting from the field. However, the former Mercury forward did not finish her year with Phoenix after suffering a concussion in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. Sabally was ruled out for the remainder of the series.

Players who received core designations

• Atlanta Dream: G Allisha Gray

• Chicago Sky: G Ariel Atkins

• Dallas Wings: G Arike Ogunbowale

• Indiana Kelsey: G Kelsey Mitchell

• Los Angeles Sparks: G Kelsey Plum

• Minnesota Lynx: G Napheesa Collier

• New York Liberty: G Sabrina Ionescu

• Portland Fire: F Bridget Carleton

• Seattle Storm: F/C Ezi Magbegor

• Toronto Tempo: G Marina Mabrey

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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.

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.