WNBA free agency tracker: Where will the top 50 players sign?

The WNBA’s 2026 free agency — expedited edition — is here. After a whirlwind negotiating period, teams can begin signing players on Saturday.

What to know:

Teams must carry 12 players apiece this season as opposed to previous seasons in which they could carry 11 in order to guarantee more money for the top players on the roster.

The supermax is $1.4 million this season with teams allowed to carry a cap of $7 million (compared to $1.5 million a year ago).

The “core” designation is like a franchise tag, giving the WNBA team exclusive negotiating rights with a player. Ten players were cored heading into this free agency period and that designation comes with a supermax offer from the team. Starting next year, players with more than seven years of service will be ineligible to be cored by a team.

Here’s a look at the 50 top free agents who could be making moves and waves as the 2026 season quickly approaches.

1. A’ja Wilson

Las Vegas Aces | forward / center | 6-4 | Years of service: 8

Key stats: 23.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.3 BPG, 1.6 SPG, 51% FG

The 29-year-old, four-time MVP is expected to remain in Las Vegas alongside coach Becky Hammon as the franchise gears up for another run at a WNBA title. With Wilson as the centerpiece, Las Vegas has won three of the last four WNBA titles and with the MVP expected to re-sign — alongside a few other key players — the Aces are putting themselves in 2026 title contention yet again.

2. Napheesa Collier

Minnesota Lynx | forward | 6-1 |7 YOS

Key stats: 22.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG, 53% FG

Collier has spent her entire WNBA career in Minnesota and it seems unlikely that she’s going to leave at this juncture. She’s likely to miss some of the season as she continues to rehab from ankle surgery after the 2025 WNBA Finals, but Collier is the focal piece of Cheryl Reeve’s franchise, and that’s unlikely to change.

3. Breanna Stewart

New York Liberty | forward | 6-4 |9 YOS, 3 with NYL

Key stats: 18.3 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 46% FG

Stewart came to New York in 2023 and ahead of this free agency period, she said on her podcast that she plans to re-sign and won’t even take visits elsewhere. That’s great news for the Liberty as it begins the Chris DeMarco era with its seven-time All-Star in the fold.

4. Jackie Young

Las Vegas Aces | guard / forward | 6-0 | 7 YOS

Key stats: 16.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 48% FG, 36% 3PT

Young is expected to re-sign with the Aces, the franchise with which she has spent her entire career. Under Hammon, Young has become a perennial All-Star and one of the best guards in the world. Alongside Wilson, she’s another dynamic option who gives the Aces an inside lane to yet another WNBA Finals.

5. Allisha Gray

Atlanta Dream | guard / forward | 6-0 | 9 YOS, 3 with ATL

Key stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 45% FG, 38% 3PT

The Dream cored Gray, making her the franchise cornerstone (alongside newly-acquired forward Angel Reese). She’s coming off a career season in which she set bests in scoring, rebounds and assists, making her an obvious choice for the Dream’s building project.

6. Alyssa Thomas

Phoenix Mercury | guard / forward / center | 6-2 | 12 YOS, 1 with PHX

Key stats: 15.4 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 9.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 53% FG

The Engine thrived in Connecticut and Phoenix, but that’s not going to be the case everywhere and in every system. Despite Thomas’ her shooting range limitations, few players are as well-rounded in terms of abilities to fill up the floor — she was the only player last season to average eight-plus rebounds and eight-plus assists.

7. Kelsey Mitchell

Indiana Fever | guard | 5-8 | 8 YOS

Key stats: 20.2 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 3.4 APG, 46% FG, 39% 3PT

The Fever cored Mitchell during negotiating periods, making her the veteran cornerstone among a young, talented group. She has been one of the most consistent guards over the past six seasons, but since joining forces with Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, her postseason ceiling has increased as has the Fever’s winning percentage. Mitchell is the first confirmed player this offseason to sign for a supermax contract of $1.4 million in her return to Indiana.

8. Jonquel Jones

New York Liberty | center | 6-6 | 9 YOS, 3 with NYL

Key stats: 13.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.1 BPG, 49% FG, 42% 3PT

Jonquel Jones is 18 months removed from a finals MVP trophy, one of six active players to hold that honor. She also might have the biggest gap between floor and ceiling of any superstar in the WNBA. At her best, she can’t be defended with her combination of perimeter skills and interior force. Too often last season, however, she floated between the two 3-point lines and never really asserted herself. Get Jones back into a system that accentuates her strength, and this is a max player.

9. Satou Sabally

Phoenix Mercury | forward | 6-4 | 6 YOS, 1 with PHX

Key stats: 16.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 40% FG, 32% 3PT

Sabally seemingly said farewell to Phoenix in an Instagram post on Wednesday. With the young star on the move, could she be headed to a reunion with her sister Nyara (who was selected by Toronto in the expansion draft)? Or could she join Sabrina Ionescu, one of her closest friends, in New York? Or somewhere else all together? Regardless, she seems like the player highest on this list who’s most likely to be wearing a different jersey.

10. Chelsea Gray

Las Vegas Aces | guard | 5-11 | 11 YOS, 5 with LVA

Key stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 44% FG, 37% 3PT

The Point Gawd is one of the best facilitators and clutch shooters in the game, making her a key free agency target. She has already won three titles in Las Vegas, does she plan to run it back alongside Wilson and Young for No. 4? Her relationship with Hammon appears incredibly strong so it’s unlikely another franchise can come in and convince the six-time All-Star to leave the desert.

11. Kelsey Plum

Los Angeles Sparks | guard | 5-8 | 8 YOS, 1 with LAS

Key stats: 19.5 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42% FG, 36% 3PT

The Sparks cored Plum, making the four-time All-Star’s Angeleno status a near definite. On a team without Wilson and Co., she notched career bests in rebounds, assists and steals and was near her best in scoring as she shouldered more of a team load. In Year 2 under coach Lynne Roberts, it’ll be interesting how the franchise changes its approach as it fights to get into the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

12. Rhyne Howard

Atlanta Dream | guard / forward | 6-2 | 4 YOS

Key stats: 17.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 38% FG, 32% 3PT

One of the league’s best young stars, Howard’s role in Atlanta seems to be coming into focus alongside Gray and Reese. She might not be the primary threat, but she’s key to the Dream’s success. Last season, Atlanta won its first postseason game since 2018, and building on that success, Howard’s continued growth in 2026 seems necessary as well.

13. Nneka Ogwumike

From Seattle Storm to Los Angeles Sparks | forward | 6-2 | 14 YOS, 2 with SEA

Key stats: 18.3 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.1 SPG, 52% FG, 37% 3PT

Ogwumike is re-signing with Los Angeles after spending the past two seasons in Seattle. She spent her first 12 years with the Sparks, experiencing six different coaches and a slew of issues that popped up because of the franchise’s inconsistency at the helm. Yet, she still found success — she was named 2016 MVP during the Sparks’ 2016 title run. Under Lynne Roberts, and teaming up with Kelsey Plum (who the Sparks already cored), Ogwumike will look to build on the success she still had in Los Angeles while also helping to move the franchise forward.

14. Kahleah Copper

Phoenix Mercury | guard / forward | 6-1 | 10 YOS, 2 with PHX

Key stats: 15.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 42% FG, 38% 3PT

Copper played in only 28 games last season, but she’s still one of the most valuable free agents on the market. She seemed happy in Phoenix, playing alongside Thomas, so perhaps the Mercury will gear up for another finals run with this core duo and a stronger cast of supporting characters (especially if they end up losing Sabally in free agency).

15. Sabrina Ionescu

New York Liberty | guard | 5-11 | 6 YOS

Key stats: 18.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.3 SPG, 40% FG, 30% 3PT

Ionescu’s 3-point shooting was a career low last season, but with Chris DeMarco taking the helm — he spent the last 13 seasons with the Golden State Warriors, working with Steph Curry — the Liberty seem likely to find ways to get Ionescu back to her 3-point sharpshooter days. Expect the seven-year player to re-sign with New York as the Liberty look to redeem itself after an early 2025 postseason exit.

16. Ezi Magbegor

Seattle Storm | forward / center | 6-4 | 6 YOS

Key stats: 8.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 2.2 BPG, 49% FG

With a new-look starting lineup in 2025, Magbegor had a smaller role with Seattle, playing her fewest minutes since 2022, but the Storm believe in their 26-year-old, 6-foot-4 center, evidenced by the franchise’s decision to core her ahead of free agency. Under new coach Sonia Raman, seeing how the Storm develop and use Magbegor effectively could be part of a new era for the Storm.

17. Jewell Loyd

Las Vegas Aces | guard | 5-10 | 11 YOS, 1 with LVA

Key stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.2 SPG, 39% FG, 38% 3PT

After 10 seasons and two titles with Seattle, Loyd moved to Las Vegas last season and won another title, albeit this time in a new role as a sixth player. She averaged the fewest points of her career since her rookie season and the fewest minutes since 2020. This free agency seems like a moment for Loyd to decide whether she’s happy with her role in Las Vegas or if she wants to find a more featured role on a different team.

18. Alanna Smith

Minnesota Lynx | forward / center | 6-4 | 7 YOS, 2 with MIN

Key stats: 9.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 49% FG, 33% 3PT

Smith, who spent the past two seasons with the Lynx, told an Australian media outlet that she was “open to any opportunity” and was at a point in her career where she has “the luxury of choice.” Could that mean the defensive juggernaut who earned co-defensive player of the year honors last season could be on the move? Or will she be returning to Minnesota?

19. Veronica Burton

Golden State Valkyries | guard| 5-9 | 4 YOS, 1 with GSV

Key stats: 11.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 39% FG, 35% 3PT

After bouncing around for three seasons, Burton found a home and foundation with the Valkyries, where she thrived. The guard had significant career-bests in every category and was named the league’s most improved player in 2025. It’s hard to imagine her leaving the Bay Area, but given how much her stock has risen over the past year, she’ll also be seen as a valuable free agent on the market this year.

20. Dearica Hamby

Los Angeles Sparks | forward| 6-3 | 11 YOS, 3 with LAS

Key stats: 18.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.6 SPG, 57% FG

Hamby is coming off her best shooting season in her 11-year career, with career-highs in scoring and field goal percentage. All signs have pointed and continue to point to her returning to Los Angeles to keep playing alongside Plum. The duo has created a strong one-two punch for the L.A. franchise, which looks to return to the playoffs.

21. Arike Ogunbowale

Dallas Wings | guard | 5-8 | 7 YOS

Key stats: 15.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 36% FG, 30% 3PT

After being cored by Dallas, Ogunbowale will reportedly sign with the Wings for less than the supermax in order to allow the franchise to build around her. This gives first-year coach Jose Fernandez plenty of playmaking options as he works to figure out an equation that maximizes Ogunbowale, second-year star Paige Bueckers and the incoming No. 1 draft pick.

22. Bri Jones

Atlanta Dream | forward / center | 6-3 | 9 YOS, 1 with ATL

Key stats: 12.8 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 53% FG

Jones suffered a meniscus tear while playing overseas in February, but she is expected to be available this season and all signs point to her re-signing with the Dream. The four-time All-Star had a nice first year in Atlanta, and with the addition of Angel Reese, this rotation is only going to get more versatile.

23. Shakira Austin

Washington Mystics | center | 6-5 | 4 YOS

Key stats: 12.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 47% FG

The Mystics have the No. 4, No. 9 and No. 11 picks in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Previous GM Jamila Wideman had been heavily invested in developing the youth movement of this franchise, but with her firing, could the Mystics be headed in a separate direction? Austin’s future with Washington probably exists somewhere in the answer to that question. Her performance has see-sawed as she has dealt with injuries during her first four years in the league, but she’s seen as a player with a lot of potential if put in the right situation and if she can stay healthy.

24. Kayla McBride

Minnesota Lynx | guard |5-11 | 12 YOS, 5 with MIN

Key stats: 14.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 42% FG, 40% 3PT

The unsung hero of Minnesota’s rise into the league’s elite. McBride is a knockdown shooter, even a decade-plus into the league, and she has a useful little floater when she is chased off the line. No one runs around and through more screens than McBride does, as the Lynx leverage her shooting as a movement shooter on offense, and she routinely takes on the toughest guard assignment defensively. The main knock on McBride is her age, but over the next two seasons, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect All-Star production.

25. Gabby Williams

Seattle Storm | forward | 5-11 | 7 YOS, 4 with SEA

Key stats: 11.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.2 APG, 2.3 SPG, 42% FG

Williams led the league in steals last season and her 2.3-steals-per-game average last season is the best of any player over the last five seasons (playing the most games). In addition to a career best in steals, she also notched career bests in points, assists and blocks. Her versatility and motor make her a high target in this year’s free agency.

26. Skylar Diggins

Seattle Storm | guard | 5-9 | 11 YOS, 2 with SEA

Key stats: 15.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 6.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42% FG, 37% 3PT

Heading into her 12th season, Diggins is still considered one of the elite point guards in the league, possessing the ability to both distribute and score herself. Last season, just three players in the league averaged at least 15 points and six assists per game — Diggins, Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas. With what appears to be a bit of an exodus from Seattle, could Diggins also be on the move?

27. Brittney Sykes

Seattle Storm | guard | 5-9 | 9 YOS, 1 with SEA

Key stats: 14.1 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 38% FG

Sykes made the All-Star for the first time in her ninth season, proving her value as a high-volume shot-creator. She has one of the prettiest pull-up jumpers in the league and gets great elevation. Efficiency has been a struggle for Sykes (though she hit a high percentage of her 2s and 3s at Unrivaled), but her defensive impact is unquestioned. She is best at the point of attack getting into opposing point guards, and she can also get into passing lanes thanks to long arms and anticipation. At 32, Sykes’ athleticism hasn’t yet waned.

28. Courtney Williams

Minnesota Lynx | guard | 5-8 | 10 YOS, 2 with MIN

Key stats: 13.6 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 6.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 43% FG, 39% 3PT

After playing for four different teams (in five different stretches) during her first seven seasons, Williams has really settled into the Lynx well over the past two seasons, becoming an instrumental part of the team’s success and deep postseason play. Williams finished last season third in assists per game and her assist-to-turnover ratio put her at No. 6 among players recording at least five assists per game.

29. Marina Mabrey

Toronto Tempo | guard / forward | 5-11 | 7 YOS, 2 with CON

Key stats: 14.4 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.0 APG

Toronto selected Mabrey with its third pick in the expansion draft, making her the team’s core player. Though her 3-point shooting percentage last season was the worst of her career, her performance in Unrivaled (where she shot 33 percent from beyond the arc), should give the Tempo some optimism. Partnering her alongside more veteran guard play should improve that.

30. Ariel Atkins

Chicago Sky | guard | 5-10 |8 YOS, 1 with CHI

Key stats: 13.1 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 44% FG, 36% 3PT’

Chicago was a colossal disappointment in 2025, but Atkins’ production was about as expected. She’s a solid guard defender who converts 3-pointers at an above-average rate and provides some secondary playmaking. Her All-Star days from 2021 and 2022 are firmly in the rear view. Atkins’ value comes in her defensive effort, because there aren’t too many 3-and-D players at the shooting guard position.

31. Azurá Stevens

Los Angeles Sparks | forward | 6-6 | 8 YOS, 3 with LAS

Key stats: 12.8 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 48% FG, 38% 3PT

Stevens announced her departure from Los Angeles on Instagram after three seasons, boxed out by the re-acquisition of Nneka Ogwumike. Stevens is a skilled offensive big, almost functioning more as a wing, who is a legitimate threat from beyond the arc. She needs a defensive five to pair with in the frontcourt, but she’s a decent help defender and can switch so long as she isn’t the primary rim protector.

32. Naz Hillmon

Atlanta Dream | forward | 6-2 | 4 YOS

Key stats: 8.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.4 APG, 46% FG, 32% 3PT

Hillmon had one of the more shocking player development arcs in 2025, evolving from a complete non-shooter (six total 3-point attempts in her first three seasons) to a reliable floor spacer who still maintained her presence on the glass and in the paint. She is a little undersized at the four but has the motor to mostly make up for it. Her future in Atlanta is clouded by the arrival of Angel Reese, even if she seemed like Karl Smesko’s favorite player in his first WNBA season.

33. Kayla Thornton

Golden State Valkyries | forward | 6-1 | 10 YOS, 1 with GSV

Key stats: 14.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 36% FG

Thornton was one of the success stories of the expansion draft, a player who got an expanded role and filled it. She is back from a knee injury that ended her season and was a full participant at USA Basketball camp in Phoenix earlier this month. She is a relentless defender who raises her team’s energy. However, her shooting efficiency on larger volume was a little concerning. Thornton will need to find a better shot diet in 2026, or her new team will have to scale back her role.

34. Emma Meesseman

New York Liberty | forward | 6-4 | 9 YOS, 1 year with NYL

Key stats: 13.4 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 57% FG

Meesseman’s interest in playing in the WNBA is always in question. If she does, her team should try to get her for a full season, because she didn’t seem very comfortable joining the Liberty halfway through the season, even with familiar teammates. Based on her performances with Belgium, Meesseman can still be an excellent offensive player and an important part of a good team defense. She’s a wonderful passer and has good scoring touch. The FIBA version of her just needs to make its way stateside.

35. Bridget Carleton

Portland Fire | guard / forward | 6-2 | 7 YOS, 7 with MIN

Key stats: 6.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG 37.3% 3PT

Carleton is probably going to earn a seven-figure payday this season after being the top pick in the expansion draft, a massive achievement for someone who has never averaged double-digit scoring. What Carleton does is defend opponents’ best wings, play a lot of minutes, make her 3s and avoid turnovers. The Minnesota coaching staff couldn’t get Carleton to be more aggressive hunting her shot, and that will be Portland’s No. 1 goal. Carleton carved out quite the career as a role player after being waived by the team that drafted her. Now, she’ll get a new challenge.

36. Tiffany Hayes

Golden State Valkyries | guard | 5-10 | 13 YOS, 1 with GSV

Key stats: 11.7 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 42% FG, 41% 3PT

How strange to think that Hayes retired from the WNBA two years ago and has since won a sixth woman trophy and helped lead an expansion team to the playoffs. Hayes is one of the premier drivers at her position; defenses find it hard to keep her from the basket. Her post-pandemic 3-point shooting has been a revelation. If she could stay on the court a little more frequently, she would be higher on this list. Alas, that is the tradeoff with Hayes’ style of play.

37. NaLyssa Smith

Las Vegas Aces | forward | 6-4 | 4 YOS, 1 with LVA

Key stats: 7.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 50% FG

NaLyssa Smith proved she could impact winning when she arrived in Las Vegas, helping turn around the Aces’ season by rebounding, finishing around the basket, and giving some defensive help to A’ja Wilson on the interior. It had been tough sledding for Smith in the WNBA before 2025, so she is probably best off returning to a familiar situation with coach Becky Hammon, who knows how to optimize her skills.

38. DeWanna Bonner

Phoenix Mercury | forward | 6-4 | 16 YOS, 1 with PHX

Key stats: 9.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 41% FG, 33% 3PT

Expect DeWanna Bonner to remain wherever Alyssa Thomas is. Despite the couple saying they didn’t need to play for the same team during the 2025 offseason — and literally signing in two separate locations — they eventually ended up together, and it seems like the right course going forward. Bonner was excellent for the Mercury in her return to the Valley. She can still create shots at a high level, nails her free throws and defends positions one through four. Eventually, she’ll have to drop off, but Phoenix did a good job managing her minutes to keep her fresh throughout the postseason.

39. Tina Charles

Connecticut Sun | forward / center | 6-4 | 14 YOS, 1 with CON

Key stats: 16.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44% FG

Sixteen years after leaving UConn, Tina Charles keeps getting buckets. What team will Charles seek out? She is arguably the greatest player in league history without a title and went ring-chasing in 2022 to somewhat disastrous results. She returned to the W in 2024 as a veteran mentor and has aced that role over the last two seasons. Charles could stay with a lottery team and earn a huge contract this year; the salary floor is nearly $6 million, so teams will have to spend. Or she could give it another go to try to win a championship and accept a smaller role off the bench in special situations.

40. Natasha Cloud

New York Liberty | guard | 6-3 | 10 YOS, 1 with NYL

Key stats: 10.1 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 5.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 43% FG, 34% 3PT

Despite her reputation as a defensive stopper, Cloud has actually been more impactful offensively over the past few seasons, especially in the postseason when playoff Cloud takes control from beyond the 3-point line. She maintains a good tempo on offense and mixes in drives and pull-up jumpers. Cloud isn’t a huge scoring threat, which makes her a better option at the one position than the two, but she can credibly play at either. She takes a few too many gambles defensively and can be a little overzealous to the point of fouling, but she is still one of the better defenders at her position.

41. Jordin Canada

Atlanta Dream | guard | 5-6 | 8 YOS, 2 with ATL

Key stats: 11.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 40% FG

One of the fastest guards in the league with the ball in her hands, Canada can get to the basket and be meaningfully disruptive on the other end. The growth in her jump shot has plateaued, however, and she hasn’t been able to stay healthy since signing in Atlanta. Canada is still a good leader and knows how to run an offense. On a contending team, ideally she is a third guard who brings a change of pace.

42. DiJonai Carrington

Minnesota Lynx | guard / forward | 5-11 | 5 YOS, 1 with MIN

Key stats: 9.8 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 39% FG

Carrington appeared to have lost all of her motivation on the Dallas Wings but was revitalized when she moved to a winning team. Whoever signs Carrington should be contending to get the best version of her. Though her defense might be a little overrated considering the teammates she has had over the years (Alyssa Thomas and Alanna Smith immediately come to mind), she is an above-average wing stopper who also brings value on offense. She is excellent in transition, a passable if not high-volume 3-point shooter, and applies pressure on the rim. Her health is a question after missing the semifinals and the Unrivaled season.

43. Jessica Shepard

Minnesota Lynx | forward | 6-4 | 5 YOS

Key stats: 8.0 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 64% FG

Shepard has rebounded well from an injury-riddled start to her professional career. She is a good rebounder, is willing to mix it up inside and can operate as a passing hub on the perimeter or from the post. The Lynx had a plus-9.8 net rating in Shepard’s minutes in 2025, a better rating than every team other than Minnesota. When Collier got hurt and Shepard had to spot-start an elimination game in the WNBA semifinals, she put up 14 points and seven rebounds. She is a quality back-up big with a varied skillset.

44. Sophie Cunningham

Indiana Fever | guard | 6-1 | 7 YOS, 1 year IND

Key stats: 8.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 47% FG, 43% 3PT

Cunningham was enjoying the most efficient season of her WNBA before suffering a torn MCL. Assuming she is back to full health, Cunningham is still a useful 3-and-D player, especially when she is at her preferred small forward position. There is no illusion of Cunningham scaling up her role, but any team can use more wings with good size and shooting ability.

45. Temi Fágbénlé

Golden State Valkyries | forward / center | 6-4 | 5 YOS, 1 with GSV

Key stats: 7.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 50% FG

Fágbénlé was probably overtaxed as the starting center in Golden State. But she is a strong rim-runner who is versatile defensively. It remains baffling that Indiana left her unprotected in the Valkyries’ expansion draft. She continues to get better as a WNBA player into her 30s.

46. Brittney Griner

Atlanta Dream | center | 6-9 | 12 YOS, 1 with ATL

Key stats: 9.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG, 52% FG

Atlanta was not the right fit for Griner, not in a system that prioritized layups and 3s and didn’t allow Griner the freedom to take her time in the post. She needs a team that will highlight her size and scoring touch and play at a slower pace. Griner is probably past her All-WNBA form, but her physical tools can still make her imposing in the right context. She’ll sign a seven-figure deal to play for the Connecticut Sun.

47. Natasha Howard

Indiana Fever | forward / center | 6-3 | 12 YOS, 1 with IND

Key stats: 11.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 55% FG

The Fever raved about Howard’s influence on their culture. At her best, the three-time champion was an athletic force inside whose paint presence helped Indiana win the Commissioner’s Cup, and earned Howard MVP honors. But coach Steph White clearly didn’t trust Howard enough defensively, pulling her for key stints in the postseason even with the Fever’s depth dwindling due to injury. Howard improved her 2-point percentage last season to the best of her career, even as her 3-point shot has nearly evaporated. She is probably best-suited to be a five in the future or paired with a shooting big in the frontcourt.

48. Monique Billings

Golden State Valkyries | forward / center | 6-3 | 8 YOS, 1 with GSV

Key stats: 7.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.8 BPG

Billings’ athleticism shined during her Unrivaled stint. She was active on the boards, finishing second in rebounding per game despite ranking 25th in minutes, and parlayed that into an invite to the national team for World Cup qualifiers. Billings is an ideal bench big who maintains the pace and energy level and won’t demand a lot of touches. Her finishing around the rim leaves a little something to be desired, but frontcourt players with her motor and defensive acumen are rare.

49. Erica Wheeler

Seattle Storm | guard | 5-7 | 10 YOS, 1 with SEA

Key stats: 10.3 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 40% FG, 37% 3PT

Wheeler is still chasing any measure of playoff success after 10 WNBA seasons. She has been part of only one series win back in 2015 on a Liberty squad that played her eight total minutes over three games. If a contending team gives Wheeler a chance, she can provide an offensive punch. She was a critical part of the Storm’s near-upset of Las Vegas in the 2025 playoffs, and Seattle put the ball in her hands on the final possession for the potential game-winner.

50. Sami Whitcomb

Phoenix Mercury | guard | 5-10 | 9 YOS, 1 with PHX

Key stats: 9.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 39% FG, 36% 3PT

At 38, Whitcomb is a beloved teammate who can still positively impact an offense with the threat of her 3-point shooting. She probably needs to be load managed during the regular season, however, because she fell off pretty hard by the second round of the playoffs.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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