With the WNBPA and WNBA agreeing to a new CBA, the next few weeks are expected to be chaotic as off-season activities for the 2026 season are getting closer. Within the coming weeks, fans will witness an expansion draft, the 2026 WNBA draft and a free agency window.
Over 100 players are expected to be available on the market, with free agency expected to last 10 days. Moreover, many league veterans seemingly planned for the 2026 summer, looking to get a big pay raise with the new CBA in place, meaning some of the league’s best players will be up for grabs.
While stars like A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier are expected to re-sign with their franchises, others like Breanna Stewart could end up on different teams before the new season begins. Today, we will look at five WNBA free agents that fans should keep an eye on following the latest CBA agreement.
Top 5 WNBA free agents to watch
1) Jonquel Jones
The New York Liberty have some big decisions ahead of them as their championship-winning core, Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu, are all eligible to sign max contracts. The team can’t realistically pay all of them and still build a contending roster.
If sacrifices have to be made, many expect Jones to be the odd one out. Many in the league would be willing to get their hands on Jones, especially expansion teams like Portland or Toronto, which would do well with some veteran presence on the roster.
2) Chelsea Gray
The Las Vegas Aces are in a similar boat as the New York Liberty when it comes to the question of whom the team will retain from its championship core. A’ja Wilson is almost undoubtedly going to re-sign with the Aces, which leaves Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young.
Young is 28, while Gray is 33, which should tip the scales in the former’s favor. If Gray does not receive a max offer from the Aces, she can be expected to move on.
3) Kelsey Plum
Kelsey Plum went from being a contender to playing for the LA Sparks last season, who finished their campaign as the ninth seed with a 21-23 record. The Sparks are a young team and some time away from contending. Meanwhile, Plum is a veteran with championship experience, who could find herself a winning situation this summer by signing with a contender.
4) Arike Ogunbowale
Dallas Wings fans were excited to see how Paige Bueckers would fit beside three-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale. Unfortunately, their match has not turned out great as the Wings finished last season with the worst record in the league (10-34).
Dallas has indicated its plans to build around Bueckers for the future, which leaves a question mark around Ogunbowale’s role on the team. Finding a new destination could help the former All-Star regain her footing and return to her previous form, which is something many expect her to do this summer.
5) Kelsey Mitchell
Kelsey Mitchell played a key role on the Indiana Fever last season, leading the team to Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals. This run surprised many, considering the team was ravaged by injuries and was missing Caitlin Clark. Mitchell stepped up as the team’s leader and finished the season as an MVP finalist.
While Mitchell is widely expected to re-sign with the Fever, a max offer from a contender could complicate things for Indiana.
Read More: What’s Next for Indiana Fever: Free Agency Targets, Expansion Protection and Draft Strategy Explored
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