WNBA free agency hits signing day, players make their final decisions for 2026

It’s officially signing day.

As WNBA free agency stretches into its sixth day, teams and players can officially begin putting pen to paper to sign contracts on Saturday, April 11. Expect a flurry of movement as many big name players have already shared their destinations, including Nneka Ogwumike returning to the Los Angeles Sparks.

The Las Vegas Aces are expected to retain its Big Three: A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young. The Aces are reportedly signing Wilson to a supermax contract, while finalizing deals with Gray and Young to keep together the core that won three championships in four years together.

As free agency continues, it can be hard to keep up with all the movement. USA TODAY has you covered with the latest news, rumors, updates and more.

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Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

With the Women’s Final Four complete, all eyes turn towards the 2026 WNBA Draft. The WNBA draft takes place Monday, April 13, in New York, and this year’s event has a different feel. Unlike the last two drafts, where Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers were consensus No. 1 overall picks, this year’s top spot is up for grabs. After an exciting March Madness, it’s time to see who helped their stock and who fell down the draft board. Is Awa Fam still at the top? Is Azzi Fudd a top-five draft pick? Who vaulted into the first round?

Here’s USA TODAY’s latest 2026 WNBA mock draft: 1. Dallas Wings: Lauren Betts, C, UCLA
– After a stellar NCAA Tournament run, Betts has done enough to earn consideration for the No. 1 overall pick. While the Bruins center will need to work on shooting more baskets in the mid-range and later from deep, she can be inserted into Dallas’s lineup when the season starts on May 8. Her length and size make her an immediate threat in the post, along with her passing abilities and rebounding prowess.

**2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G, TCU**
– Minnesota doesn’t struggle to move the ball, but adding Miles into the mix gives the Lynx the ability to take their offensive movement up a level. The TCU guard has a high basketball IQ, which should help her with the rookie learning curve on a team with championship aspirations. Head coach Cheryl Reeve can also bring out the best in Miles defensive skills as she adjusts to WNBA play.

**3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G, UConn**
– Fudd had a very underwhelming NCAA Tournament aside from her second round game against Syracuse. The slump won’t stop her from being drafted. The UConn guard’s shot is still the purest in college basketball, and her ability to be an offensive threat at any moment is something you don’t see as often at the rookie level. Fudd also rarely wastes a movement or a shot, making her a prime candidate to draft.

**5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G, UCLA**
– Until veteran Courtney Vandersloot returns, the Sky need a guard who can facilitate, score when needed and defend. Rice, who finished a career year in a UCLA uniform, has proven she can do it all. The senior guard has improved her ability to read opposing defenses, maintain patience with solid footwork and recover in help defense. Rice would also take some pressure off Hailey Van Lith, who struggled during her rookie season.

**6. Toronto Tempo: Flau’jae Johnson, G, LSU**
– Johnson has a score-first mentality, and she does it in a variety of ways: midrange, downhill in the paint and from the 3-point line. She’s one of the top defensive guards in the 2026 class, and if she can improve her defensive awareness at the pro level, she can become an elite two-way guard. Head coach Sandy Brondello should also be a tremendous asset to Johnson’s growth.

**7. Portland Fire: Ta’Niya Latson, G, South Carolina**
– Latson’s NCAA Tournament run was a mixed bag. That shouldn’t hurt her WNBA draft stock, but it wasn’t hard to notice as the level of competition rose (with games against TCU, UConn and UCLA), she struggled to find her shot or ways to contribute. At the pro level, she’ll be asked to do more, and she’ll need to lean into her aggressiveness to have success.

**8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G, UCLA**
– If a team gives her any space, Jaquez will make them pay. The guard can do it all, with assists, 3-pointers, in the paint, on the boards or by creating a steal. She should fit well within Golden State’s “hard hat and lunch pail” culture, where they pride themselves on having energy on both sides of the ball.

**9. Washington Mystics: Raven Johnson, G South Carolina**
– While Johnson has proven she can score when needed, it’s her facilitation skills and defense that will make her a top 10 pick. The South Carolina guard does a great job of feeding her bigs and spreading the offense out to find the best shot. She is also a lockdown defender who leaves little room for error and isn’t afraid of anyone on a court, regardless of size.

**10. Indiana Fever: Gianna Kneepkens, G, UCLA**
– Kneepkens ended her college career shooting nearly 50-40-90, which is impressive and rare in today’s college landscape. The UCLA guard’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s often timely. Kneepkens knows how to step into the big moments, as she did in the national championship when she delivered two massive 3-point baskets during an extended Bruins’ run.

**13. Atlanta Dream: Madina Okot, C, South Carolina**
– Atlanta needs depth. Adding Okot would help the Dream with their post presence and perimeter shooting. The South Carolina big can score from multiple levels and will crash the glass. If Atlanta brings veteran center Brittney Griner back, Okot would learn from one of the best in league history at the position.

**14. Seattle Storm: Marta Suarez, F, TCU**
– Suarez’s NCAA Tournament run wasn’t great, but she did have a breakout game against Virginia during the Sweet 16, which included a career high 33 points plus 10 rebounds. The outing was a glimpse of Suarez at her best, which could entice Seattle to add Suarez as depth now and starter later.

**15. Connecticut Sun: Cotie McMahon, F, Ole Miss**
– McMahon would work well in a young core of players like Saniya Rivers, Leila Lacan, Aaliyah Edwards and Aneesah Morrow. The Ole Miss forward is a utility piece that the Sun could utilize to its advantage. She does most of her damage in the paint ― Connecticut’s specialty ― and could also help facilitate, if needed. Once McMahon gets crisper as a defender, she’ll be dynamite at the next level.

Brittney Griner to sign with Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun and Brittney Griner are reportedly finalizing a deal, according to CBS Sports. The Sun would mark Griner’s third team in as many seasons. The 10-time WNBA All-Star and WNBA champion spent last season in Atlanta after playing 11 seasons in Phoenix.

Chelsea Gray reportedly finalizing deal with Aces

The Las Vegas Aces are expected to bring back their big three. Veteran guard Chelsea Gray is finalizing a three-year, multi-million dollar deal to return to the Aces, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Aces plan to sign A’ja Wilson to a supermax contract and are reportedly finalizing a deal with Jackie Young to lock down the core that led Las Vegas to three WNBA championships in four years.

Elizabeth Williams to re-sign with Chicago Sky

The Chicago Sky will reportedly re-sign Elizabeth Williams for $1.2 million over two years, according to ESPN. She is a two-time All-Defensive Team pick and was named the league’s most improved player in 2016.

Jessica Shepard to sign with Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings will reportedly sign Jessica Shepard, who spent the first five years of her career with the Minnesota Lynx, to a multi-year deal, according to ESPN.

StudBudz breaking up

Natisha Hiedeman, one half of the StudBudz who played with the Minnesota Lynx last season, has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Seattle, according to several outlets. Lynx point guard Courtney Williams wished her friend well on social media, replying “🥹 Go Be Great 2 🔒💕” to an Instagram post by Hiedeman.

Arike Ogunbowale re-signing with Dallas Wings

Arike Ogunbowale is reportedly signing a million dollar multiyear deal with the Dallas Wings, according to ESPN.

The guard was given a core qualifying offer earlier this week, making her eligible for the $1.4 million supermax in 2026. ESPN reports she is taking less to give the team more money to build around her.

Atlanta Dream re-signing Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon

Guards Allisha Gray and Naz Hillmon are nearing a three-year deals to re-sign with the Atlanta Dream, according to ESPN. Brionna Jones is also re-signing as the trio will welcome Angel Reese to an already veteran roster.

Kelsey Mitchell signs supermax deal with Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever have re-signed Kelsey Mitchell a league source confirmed to IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network.

Indiana designated Mitchell as a core player on Monday, giving her a one-year supermax contract of $1.4 million in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights. She will be the Fever’s first $1 million player.

Jewell Loyd re-signing with Las Vegas Aces

Jewell Loyd, who won a title with the Aces last season, will return on the three-year deal, according to ESPN.

Alyssa Thomas returns to Phoenix Mercury

Alyssa Thomas fell just short of winning the first WNBA championship of her career in her first season with the Phoenix Mercury, but Thomas is ready to run it back with coach Nate Tibbetts & Co.

A person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports the 33-year-old who led the WNBA in assists last season is working on a contract to remain with the Mercury. Like many star players this offseason, Thomas had been an unrestricted free agent.

Thomas was acquired by the Mercury in a four-team trade in February 2025 following 11 seasons in Connecticut, where she led the Sun to eight consecutive playoff appearances and two WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022. The six-time All-Star told USA TODAY Sports last year she “gave everything I had to Connecticut” and ultimately decided to depart in hopes of winning a title.

Satou Sabally landing spots

Satou Sabally is set to join her third team in as many seasons, but where will the 2023 Most Improved Player land? USA TODAY Sports rounded up the best destinations for Sabally as WNBA free agency continues:

Toronto Tempo agree to a pair of max deals

Guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes have both agreed to two-year max contracts, according to agent Marcus Crenshaw of The FAM Sports Agency and first reported by ESPN.

Atlanta Dream reportedly re-signing Brionna Jones

The Atlanta Dream are bringing back Brionna Jones, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The forward averaged 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds a game last season. Jones and the rest of the Dream could be buoyed by the arrival of Angel Reese in a trade with the Chicago Sky.

Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with LA Sparks

There was speculation that Ogwumike might join the Lynx after a Minnesota-based balloon company shared a now-deleted video that showed a “Welcome Nneka” marquee letter and a balloon arrangement on a Lynx basketball court. But Ogwumike officially deflated those rumors with another pair of letters — the iconic Hollywood sign.

Ogwumike announced her intention to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks, the franchise she brought a WNBA title to in 2016 during her 12-year stint in the City of Angels. Ogwumike made the announcement on social media Friday, captioning a video montage of her Sparks highlights, “It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon.”

Her announcement video starts off with the Hollywood sign morphing into “Nneka x LA.”

Nneka Ogwumike says goodbye to Seattle

Nneka Ogwumike’s time in Seattle has come to an end after two seasons. Ogwumike confirmed her departure from the Seattle Storm on Thursday as 2026 WNBA Free Agency stretched into its fourth day. The 14-year veteran shared a social media post that read, “Thank You Seattle.” Ogwumike captioned the photo collage filled with memories of her time in Seattle with green and yellow hearts.

Jackie Young reportedly finalizing new deal with Las Vegas

Aces superstar A’ja Wilson said she’s staying in Las Vegas. The same can be said about Jackie Young. Young is expected to return to Las Vegas on a one-year maximum contract worth $1.19 million, ESPN reported Thursday.

Las Vegas Aces re-signs Kierstan Bell

On Thursday, the Aces announced they are re-signing defending champion Kierstan Bell. Bell averaged 4.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game in 35 games (16 starts) last season.

“Vegasssss!! Super excited to get back to work and compete for another championship!” Bell said in a statement. “The love doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m blessed to be a part of something so special! Let’s rock.”

Satou Sabally confirms Phoenix Mercury departure

On Wednesday, free agent forward Satou Sabally confirmed she isn’t returning to Phoenix after one year with the franchise. Sabally shared a photo gallery on Instagram with the caption “Best year yet. Thank you, Phoenix.”

Free agents with core designations or core qualifying offers

Any player who receives a core qualifying offer (or core designation) is essential to a 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.

Here are the players who were cored by their respective teams:

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

Free agents with reserve or restricted offers

Reserve offer: Player with three years of service or less, who receives an offer; the team has exclusive negotiation rights.

Restricted: Player with four years of service, whose team extends an offer. The player can negotiate with other teams, but the previous team has the first right of refusal. The team can match other offers.

Los Angeles Sparks: F Rae Burrell (Reserved)
Las Vegas Aces: F NaLyssa Smith (Restricted)
Washington Mystics: C Shakira Austin (Restricted)
Connecticut Sun: F Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Restricted)
Atlanta Dream: G Rhyne Howard (Restricted), F Naz Hillmon (Restricted)
Golden State Valkyries: G Veronica Burton (Restricted), F Janelle Salaün (Reserved)
Phoenix Mercury: F Natasha Mack (Reserved), G Monique Akoa Makani (Reserved)

Trade: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream

Background: After a tumultuous second season with Sky that included a suspension for comments Reese made about the team and her teammates, Reese said she planned to play in Chicago for a 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.

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.

Trade: Dallas trades Diamond Miller to Connecticut

On Thursday, the Dallas Wings traded forward Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for center/forward Rayah Marshall.

Signing: F Breanna Stewart

Type of free agent: Unrestricted free agent

Background: Breanna Stewart made it clear 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 (unofficially)

Expected Contract: TBD

Signing: C A’ja Wilson

Type of free agent: Unrestricted 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 (unofficially)

Expected Contract: Wilson is expected to re-sign with the team on a WNBA supermax salary of $1.4 million

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: WNBA free agency hits signing day as players make final decisions

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Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Our WNBA mock draft could be full of future stars

Brittney Griner to sign with Connecticut Sun

Chelsea Gray reportedly finalizing deal with Aces

Elizabeth Williams to re-sign with Chicago Sky

Jessica Shepard to sign with Dallas Wings

StudBudz breaking up

Arike Ogunbowale re-signing with Dallas Wings

Atlanta Dream re-signing Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon

Kelsey Mitchell signs supermax deal with Indiana Fever

Jewell Loyd re-signing with Las Vegas Aces

Alyssa Thomas returns to Phoenix Mercury

Satou Sabally landing spots

Toronto Tempo agree to a pair of max deals

Atlanta Dream reportedly re-signing Brionna Jones

Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with LA Sparks

Nneka Ogwumike says goodbye to Seattle

Jackie Young reportedly finalizing new deal with Las Vegas

Las Vegas Aces re-signs Kierstan Bell

Satou Sabally confirms Phoenix Mercury departure

Free agents with core designations or core qualifying offers

Free agents with reserve or restricted offers

Trade: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream

Trade: Dallas trades Diamond Miller to Connecticut

Signing: F Breanna Stewart

Signing: C A’ja Wilson

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