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2026 WNBA Free Agent Big Board, Core Candidates amid Offseason of Chaos
An electric 2025 WNBA season came to a close Friday night, as the Las Vegas Aces entered legitimate dynasty territory with their third title in four years. It was quite the journey—from flirting with a .500 season and enduring one of the worst losses in WNBA history, to reeling off 16 straight regular-season wins and going the distance in the first two rounds before dismantling a formidable Phoenix Mercury team.
The end of the season leads us to the unknown. CBA negotiations are well underway, which complicates everything: the start date (or existence) of the 2026 season, expansion draft rules with two franchises entering the league, salary structures and so much more.
That really matters in light of what this year's free-agency class could be. Aside from rookie-scale players and a couple of veterans—hello, Lexie Brown and Kalani Brown—every other player in the league is slated to hit the market this offseason. This could earnestly be the wildest free-agency period in league history.
With that, I've been tasked with ranking the top 25 free agents in this year's class, even amidst that "unknown" context. While there is some overlap, this isn't to be confused with a player ranking -- things like age, upside and team fit will factor into this.
Notable Core Candidates
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While there will be plenty of free-agent star power in our rankings below, there are a few big names that (likely) won't be going anywhere, even if they want to.
That's due to the core designation, a tool similar to the NFL's franchise tag that teams have at their disposal to prevent an unrestricted free agent from truly testing the market. You can read a full explainer here, courtesy of the fine folks at Her Hoop Stats, but the short of it is that a "cored" player is automatically given a one-year, super-max offer sheet.
A player can accept and play on that deal, or they can negotiate different terms—a long-term deal, a one-year deal at less than the max or anything in between. With most of the league hitting free agency, some teams could have really tough decisions to make with their core designations since they only have one at their disposal.
Editor's note: The newly agreed-upon CBA stipulates a slight change to this process beginning in 2027, with only players with six or fewer years of service being eligible to receive the core designation, per Front Office Sports' Annie Costabile.
Some interesting conversations could be had in Seattle (Ezi Magbegor or Gabby Williams) and Los Angeles (Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby or Azurá Stevens) for example. Of course, if certain stars alert their current teams that they'd like to return no matter what, that could make those decisions easier.
I'd expect the latter to be the case for a few teams. It's why, for example, you'll see I have Jackie Young as the Aces' core candidate instead of A'ja Wilson. I don't think either party wants to leave Las Vegas, but Young feels like the one that would if I had to guess.
Below is a list of notable players who are eligible to be cored—and likely will be, if there's a hint of interest in joining another team.
Jackie Young (LVA)
Young has firmly established herself as one of the best two-way wings in the league. Her and Wilson have been the league's best high-volume pick-and-roll pairing in back-to-back seasons, and they clearly love each other. I can't completely rule out a scenario where Young wants a team built completely in her image, but I think she'd get the core designation if that desire is expressed.
Sabrina Ionescu (NYL)
Ionescu also fits in the next section—she seems incredibly happy in New York, so there's an argument that the core designation won't be needed—but we'll leave the door cracked for a potential West Coast pursuit. If it comes, the Liberty will be quick to shut it down.
Allisha Gray (ATL)
Gray seems more than content in Atlanta, not too far from where she torched the nets at the University of South Carolina. But coming off an All-WNBA first-team selection, surely teams will try to blow her phone up—her best friend just won another championship, for example. I'd expect the Dream to shut down any potential noise before it happens.
Kelsey Mitchell (IND)
Mitchell is coming off the best season of her career, one that saw her earn a fifth-place MVP finish and a spot on the All-WNBA first team. Indiana Fever general manager Amber Cox has already dubbed Mitchell as the team's top priority this offseason; She's likely not going anywhere.
Gabby Williams (SEA)
Williams earned her first All-Star and All-Defensive first team selection this season. She's one of the best defenders on the planet, and complements that value with her driving and playmaking chops. Considering Dominique Malonga's presence in the big rotation—surely she's ready for a full-time starting job—and the uncertainty around Brittney Sykes' return, I'd guess the Storm would prioritize Williams over Ezi Magbegor if they felt the need to core one of them.
Azurá Stevens (LAS)
One of the most versatile bigs in the league, Stevens would enhance virtually any team's front line. A big who can shoot, drive and move the way she can could be a cheat code in the right system. It'd behoove the Sparks to make sure that system is theirs.
The 'Don't Hold Your Breath' List
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There are some players who likely won't test the waters even if they don't receive the core designation. There's also a restricted free agent who I'm sure everyone in the league would love to have, but their team would likely match any max offer sheet she receives, so we'll place her here as well. That list is as follows:
A'ja Wilson (LVA)
Wilson has made Las Vegas her personal queendom, spending the first eight years of her career there. Coming off her third title in four seasons and a host of other accolades, I'm not sure why she'd want to uproot.
Napheesa Collier (MIN)
Collier's postseason media session is best known for her Kendrick-esque takedown of Cathy Engelbert, but she was asked about her upcoming free agency. While she acknowledged that she's been more focused on CBA negotiations than her own status, she was quick to note how much she loves Minnesota. Don't expect movement there, either. Like Wilson with Young, Collier not needing to be cored could help them retain either Courtney Williams or Kayla McBride if things feel dire.
Alyssa Thomas (PHX)
Before eventually being granted a trade to the Phoenix Mercury, Thomas was clear to state how important the player experience—particularly practice facilities and overall amenities—was to her in light of some of the rightful criticism the Sun were receiving at the time. Within that context, it's not a coincidence she landed in Phoenix. Fresh off a year-one Finals berth, I don't think she's going anywhere.
Breanna Stewart (NY)
I wouldn't be surprised if we see a shakeup among New York's core this offseason (more on that later), but I imagine that Stewart is safe. The player investment is there, the off-court opportunities are there and the Liberty are one (1) year removed from winning a title.
Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby (LAS)
The reason that Azurá Stevens is in the prior section is because Plum and Hamby, reunited after spending the early portions of their career in Las Vegas together, seem fully invested in the Sparks' build. With the somewhat recent announcement of a new state-of-the-art practice facility, I imagine both stars stay put.
Rhyne Howard (ATL; restricted free agent)
At the top of the RFA leaderboard is Rhyne Howard, a multi-time All-Star who was named to her first All-Defensive team earlier this week. The dynamic wing is sure to garner interest around the league, but the Dream have the ability to match any offer sheet she receives.
Nos. 25-21
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25. DiJonai Carrington, wing, UFA
Age: 27
2025 per-game averages: 9.8 points (41% on 2s, 32% on 3s), 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals
It was a roller-coaster season for Carrington, with role shifts and an eventual trade sprinkled in. Still, she remains an incredibly strong perimeter defender with driving (and cutting) juice on the other end.
24. Tina Charles, center, UFA
Age: 36
2025 per-game averages: 16.3 points (45% on 2s, 26% on 3s), 5.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals
One of the hidden joys of the season was watching Charles get buckets all over the place. Assuming she comes back for another season, there isn't much reason to doubt that she can still save possessions with her pristine post work.
23. Brittney Griner, center, UFA
Age: 34
2025 per-game averages: 9.8 points (54% on 2s, 26% on 3s), 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks
Griner eventually found herself in a reserve role for the Dream, but she remains one of the league's most prolific post threats with underrated passing chops. She still has utility for a good team, even if it may be time for her role to be slightly more limited.
22. Natasha Howard, forward, UFA
Age: 34
2025 per-game averages: 11.4 points (59% on 2s, 18% on 3s), 6.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Howard recommitted to giving consistent defensive effort, leading to an impactful season with the Fever. She remains a strong screener, rebounder and post threat against mismatches.
21. Kayla Thornton, forward, UFA
Age: 32
2025 per-game averages: 14.0 points (45% on 2s, 28% on 3s), 7.0 rebounds, 1.3 steals
Thornton is coming off a career year, earning All-Star honors for the first time. She was likely on her way to an All-Defensive selection before her season was cut short due to injury. Assuming she returns to full force, you can expect real two-way impact next season.
Nos. 20-16
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20. Marina Mabrey, guard, UFA
Age: 29
2025 per-game averages: 14.4 points (46% on 2s, 27% on 3s), 4.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists
Mabrey's efficiency tanked as teams ramped up their attention and pressure against her. With more internal growth around her in Connecticut—they could core her if they see fit—or in a win-now situation, Mabrey's blend of off-ball work and shot creation could pop.
19. Naz Hillmon, forward, RFA
Age: 25
2025 per-game averages: 8.6 points (64% on 2s, 32% on 3s), 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists
Hillmon broke out this season, earning the Sixth Woman of the Year award thanks to her mismatch-winning post ups, enhanced shooting, high post passing and strong defense. The Dream would be smart to lock her up; good teams would be smart to toss a hefty offer sheet Hillmon's way to add to their frontcourt.
18. Jewell Loyd, guard, UFA
Age: 32
2025 per-game averages: 11.2 points (40% on 2s, 38% on 3s), 3.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Loyd's season really turned when she spearheaded a shift to the bench. From there, her lethal shooting, knack for crashing the offensive glass and quality defense helped the Aces secure a title. She'd be additive in virtually any context.
17. Natasha Cloud, guard, UFA
Age: 33
2025 per-game averages: 10.1 points (51% on 2s, 34% on 3s), 5.1 assists, 1.2 steals
Cloud remains one of the best, most versatile defenders we have in the league. On top of that, she's a walking paint touch and heady playmaker.
16. Brittney Sykes, wing, UFA
Age: 31
2025 per-game averages: 14.1 points (40% on 2s, 30% on 3s), 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals
Sykes didn't hit the same high notes in Seattle as she did in Washington, but she remains a problem on both ends of the floor. She can get to the rim (and the line) at a high clip, can jump-start transition opportunities with her drives or passing chops and is an All-Defensive-caliber stopper on the wing.
Nos. 15-11
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15. Ariel Atkins, guard, UFA
Age: 29
2025 per-game averages: 13.1 points (48% on 2s, 36% on 3s), 3.6 assists, 1.6 steals
The Sky certainly didn't have the season they expected coming in, but it's hard to blame Atkins for that. On top of being a reliable defender, Atkins was quietly one of the best contested shotmakers in the league last year; among 46 players to take at least 300 contested shots, only Napheesa Collier (+10.6 eFG) and Paige Bueckers (+9.6 eFG) outperformed their expected efficiency more than Atkins did (+8.7 eFG).
14. Shakira Austin, center, RFA
Age: 25
2025 per-game averages: 12.7 points (48% on 2s, 13% on 3s), 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 1.1 blocks
Injuries have often derailed seasons for Austin, but she's coming off the healthiest campaign of her career (career-best 38 games played). When upright, she's a strong face-up threat who can sprinkle in jumpers or take slower bigs off the bounce with a mix of speed and slick footwork. Defensively, there really isn't a coverage she can't execute, and she's mobile enough to handle life on the perimeter.
13. Alanna Smith, center, UFA
Age: 29
2025 per-game averages: 9.6 points (63% on 2s, 33% on 3s), 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 steals, 1.9 blocks
Smith earned co-Defensive Player of the Year honors because of her elite hands, positioning, and overall scheme versatility. Add on the fact that she's one of the league's best screeners, a plus-passer at her position and someone capable of knocking down threes above the break, and you have one of the most valuable big archetypes in the league.
12. Veronica Burton, guard, RFA
Age: 25
2025 per-game averages: 11.9 points (42% on 2s, 35% on 3s), 6.0 assists, 1.1 steals
Burton ran away with Most Improved Player honors, blowing her previous career totals out of the water as a first-time starter with the Golden State Valkyries. She's one of the league's best perimeter defenders, hence an All-Defensive team selection, and she's become enough of a shooting threat to truly complement her already-strong driving and playmaking chops. It's fair to be wary of a one-year sample, but it wouldn't surprise me to see a point guard-needy team throw a hefty, sub-max offer sheet her way.
11. Arike Ogunbowale, guard, UFA
Age: 28
2025 per-game averages: 15.5 points (40% on 2s, 30% on 3s), 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals
Ogunbowale is coming off her worst season as a pro, but a mix of roster flux, role shifts and injury misfortune can explain a good bit of that. At her best, she remains a lethal scorer that can flip games on its head and an underrated passer.
Nos. 10-6
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10. Bri Jones, center, UFA
Age: 29
2025 per-game averages: 12.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals
Another year, another All-Star campaign for Jones. She continues to bully opposing bigs with her deep seals, generate extra possessions on the offensive glass and clear space for her perimeter players with bone-crushing screens.
9. Chelsea Gray, guard/forward, UFA
Age: 33
2025 per-game averages: 11.2 points (49% on 2s, 37% on 3s), 5.4 assists, 1.4 steals
Gray is one of the best passers to ever pick up a basketball, and a timely shotmaker from just about anywhere. She deserves more love for reinventing herself defensively; a big part of the Aces' midseason turnaround was Gray's ability to defend bigger players and enhance the team's ability to switch and toggle matchups.
8. Courtney Williams, guard, UFA
Age: 31
2025 per-game averages: 13.6 points (44% on 2s, 39% on 3s), 4.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.3 steals
Williams has turned herself into one of the league's deadliest pick-and-roll creators. Her near-automatic midrange jumper consistently beats drop coverage, and she's developed a ton of nuance as a (jump) passer.
7. Kayla McBride, wing, UFA
Age: 33
2025 per-game averages: 14.2 points (45% on 2s, 40% on 3s), 3.5 assists, 1.3 steals
McBride is one of the league's best shooters, a steady perimeter defender, a comfortable tough shot-taker when called upon and a punishing passer against tilted or overly aggressive defenses. Players like that can play anywhere, and off of just about anyone, making her one of the most valuable free agents in the class.
6. Skylar Diggins, guard, UFA
Age: 35
2025 per-game averages: 15.5 points (45% on 2s, 37% on 3s), 6.0 assists, 1.2 steals
It's easy to get lost in the I-will-tear-your-head-off competitiveness, but Diggins is still one of the best guards in the league. She's a tremendous passer, still gets to the paint almost whenever she wants, and doesn't mind getting into your jersey defensively.
No. 5: Kahleah Copper, wing, UFA
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Last team: Phoenix Mercury
Age: 31
2025 per-game averages: 15.6 points (46% on 2s, 38% on 3s), 2.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals
It was a weird year for Copper as she worked herself back to form during the regular season. Once in the postseason, we got a reminder of who Copper is: a versatile off-ball threat, a devastating downhill attacker, both in the half-court and in transition, and a player with enough pull-up comfort for make defenses nervous.
The three-point shot feels like a real swing for her. She's converted roughly 36 percent of her threes over the past four seasons—a clip that's above the league average and more than enough to complement her driving prowess. If she's comfortably a good shooter now, Copper can slot in nicely anywhere. My bet is that she remains in Phoenix to build off the Mercury's Finals run.
No. 4: Ezi Magbegor, center, UFA
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Last team: Seattle Storm
Age: 26
2025 per-game averages: 8.0 points (53% on 2s, 29% on 3s), 6.2 rebounds, 2.2 blocks
In what's become a theme for this piece, we have another player coming off a season that could be described as "weird."
Magbegor never really found her stride offensively. Part of that could be randomness; growth isn't always linear. Some of that could be her place in the hierarchy shifting with Gabby Williams earning more on-ball reps, taking away some of the designed handoffs and transition attacks we saw in 2024. Some of that, as alluded to by now-former Storm head coach Noelle Quinn, could've been Magbegor working back to full health.
Either way, we didn't see her hit the same notes offensively. Making things weirder is the fact that Magbegor did hit the high notes defensively. She narrowly led the league in blocks while continuing to showcase comfort on the perimeter when tasked to play more aggressively or switch.
In light of Dominique Malonga's emergence and unending potential, it sure feels like Magbegor could be a big get for someone this offseason.
No. 3: Satou Sabally, forward, UFA
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Last team: Phoenix Mercury
Age: 27
2025 per-game averages: 16.3 points (46% on 2s, 32% on 3s), 5.9 rebounds, 1.3 steals
Sabally unfortunately had her season cut short due to a concussion suffered in Game 3 of the Finals. Before that, she was enjoying a slightly inconsistent but very good inaugural campaign in Phoenix.
The Mercury moved her around the board, mixing in designed post-ups, designed elbow touches, and second-side pick-and-rolls and handoffs. She can do a little bit of everything; the challenge for the Mercury, or another team if they're able to entice her, is finding the right blend of everything she does to get the most consistent version of her.
No. 2: Nneka Ogwumike, forward, UFA
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Last team: Seattle Storm
Age: 35
2025 per-game averages: 18.3 points (58% on 2s, 37% on 3s), 7.0 rebounds, 1.1 steals
Ogwumike was at the top of my board in last year's piece, and nearly nabbed the top spot again.
Even at 35, Ogwumike remains a model of consistency—with a hint of innovation. She's a dynamic scorer on the block; she can face up and shoot or attack, or use pristine footwork to generate clean, close-range shots. She became more willing to shoot threes, logging a career high in attempts. Because she's comfortable putting the ball on the floor, teams that overplay her can still get burned.
Things looked different for her defensively this year—she wasn't tasked with blitzing ball screens as often as we've seen in years prior—but she's still an awesome communicator and someone who can ramp up the pressure when needed. It's not easy to play at an All-WNBA level this late into a career; Ogwumike should be getting phone calls from virtually everyone this offseason.
No. 1: Jonquel Jones, center, UFA
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Last team: New York Liberty
Age: 31
2025 per-game averages: 13.6 points (54% on 2s, 42% on 3s), 8.1 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Remember earlier when I said I wouldn't be surprised if there's a major shakeup in New York? Yeah, Jones feels like the big (player) domino to fall if it happens.
There's no denying Jones' talent. Players her size shouldn't be able to move, shoot, pass, rebound or defend the way she can. When fully engaged, there's maybe a handful of players in the league who can pretend to deal with her.
It's why the Liberty have such a high win rate whenever Jones has logged a double-double during her tenure. It's why Jones wants to feel more involved, not limited to spacing the floor and having to work harder or flat-out create interior touches for herself. If I'm an outside organization looking for a tentpole star, I'd be looking to lure Jones away from New York.
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