Final rosters for the 2026 WNBA season were due Thursday ahead of opening night on Friday and, after a flurry of last-minute moves, all 15 teams now have their groups in place. The new collective bargaining agreement mandates that teams fill all 12 roster spots this season and also created two developmental roster spots per team — though those are optional.
As is always the case, there were a number of notable cuts. Perhaps the most shocking was the Golden State Valkyries’ decision to part ways with Marta Suarez. They traded the No. 8 pick (Flau’jae Johnson) to the Storm for the No. 16 pick (Suarez) and another future second-round pick, then cut Suarez and couldn’t even get her to stay on a development contract. General manager Ohemaa Nyanin initially declined to give an explanation, then later said it was about cap flexibility. Regardless, it was horrible asset management even before Suarez signed a development contract with the Phoenix Mercury.
The Valkyries also waived fan favorite Kate Martin, who is not on a roster to begin the season, and announced that Iliana Rupert is pregnant and will be out indefinitely. Her absence will be a major blow to their playoff hopes this season.
Additionally, the Storm waived first-round draft pick Taina Mair and later signed her to a development contract. Their decision to take Mair at No. 14 was a complete stunner, and looks even worse now that she failed to make the full roster. Still, she’s at least with the organization.
Finally, a number of players have been temporarily suspended because they are still fulfilling overseas commitments. That includes Awa Fam (Storm), the No. 3 overall pick in this year’s draft, Justė Jocytė (Valkyries), the No. 5 overall pick in 2025, Nell Angloma (Connecticut Sun), the No. 12 overall pick in this year’s draft, Leïla Lacan (Sun), Leonie Fiebich (New York Liberty) and Monique Akoa Makani (Phoenix Mercury).
Here’s a quick glossary on the different types of roster contracts:
- Protected veteran: These are veterans with a fully guaranteed contract. Teams can only have a maximum of seven protected veterans under such a contract.
- Protected rookie: When a team picks up the fourth-year option on a rookie-scale contract, it becomes fully guaranteed. These contracts do not count toward the limit of protected veteran contracts.
- Unprotected: These are players without a guaranteed contract. If they are waived, they are only owed the pro-rated salary for the time they were on the team. These contracts become guaranteed at the midpoint of the season.
- Draftee: These are players who have just been drafted and signed their rookie-scale contract. They do not count against the salary cap until the first day of the season if they remain on the roster.
- Developmental: The new collective bargaining agreement created a new developmental system that will give each team two developmental players. These players do not count against the salary cap.
- Training camp: These are players who were invited to training camp on a non-standard contract that does not count against the salary cap until the first day of the season if they remain on the roster. In the event they make the team, the contract converts to a one-year, unprotected, minimum deal.
- Pregnancy/Childbirth: Players who are unavailable due to pregnancy or recent childbirth. These players receive 100% of their base salary, which does count toward the salary cap. However, these players do not count toward a roster spot.
Atlanta Dream
The Dream brought back their entire core in free agency, traded for Angel Reese, drafted Madina Okot and convinced former first-round pick Isobel Borlase to come over to the WNBA out of the Women’s National Basketball League in her native Australia.
Their rotation was set heading into camp, but a few spots at the end of their roster were won by British guard Holly Winterburn and second-round pick Indya Nivar. They currently do not have any developmental players.
|
Guard |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Forward |
4 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
4 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Brionna Jones |
Center |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Isobel Borlase |
Guard |
Rookie |
Unprotected |
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Angel Reese |
Forward |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
Madina Okot |
Center |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
|
Sika Koné |
Forward |
3 years |
Training camp |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
Chicago Sky
The Sky completely revamped their roster in the offseason with a clear eye on returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2023. Out went Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins, and in came Skylar Diggins, Natasha Cloud, Azurá Stevens, Rickea Jackson, DiJonai Carrington, Jacy Sheldon and Gabriela Jaquez via free agency, trades and the draft.
Ajša Sivka, the No. 10 overall pick in 2025, ended up signing with Kentucky to play college basketball, while Hailey Van Lith, who went one pick later at No. 11, was waived. Sydney Taylor, who went undrafted in 2024 out of Louisville, earned the final full roster spot, while Maddy Westbeld and Aicha Coulibaly signed development deals.
|
Guard |
10 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
DiJonai Carrington |
Guard |
5 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Skylar Diggins |
Guard |
11 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Azurá Stevens |
Forward |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Guard |
11 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Center |
15 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Gabriela Jaquez |
Guard |
Rookie |
Protected rookie |
|
Center |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
| Natasha Cloud | Guard | 10 years | Unknown |
|
Rickea Jackson |
Forward |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
Jacy Sheldon |
Guard |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
| Aicha Coulibaly | Guard | Rookie | Developmental |
| Maddy Westbeld | Forward | 1 year | Developmental |
Connecticut Sun
The Sun will field an extremely young roster for their final season in Connecticut before moving to Houston. Only three players have five or more years of experience: Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke and Shey Peddy. That group will have to provide leadership to their six rookies and four second-year players.
Draft picks Nell Angloma, Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker all made the team, as did Ashlon Jackson (developmental), a second-round pick who was waived by the Valkyries, and undrafted rookie Raegan Beers. They also signed Hailey Van Lith after she was waived by the Sky. Because Angloma and Leïla Lacan are temporarily suspended, the Sun are currently carrying 14 players on their full roster. They will have to get down to 12 when Angloma and Lacan arrive.
|
Forward |
6 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Center |
12 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Forward |
4 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
3 years |
Protected rookie |
|
|
Forward |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Leïla Lacan |
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
Forward |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Nell Angloma |
Forward |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Gianna Kneepkens |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Charlisse Leger-Walker |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Raegan Beers |
Center |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
Shey Peddy |
Guard |
6 years |
Training camp |
| Hailey Van Lith | Guard | 1 year | Training camp |
| Ashlon Jackson | Guard | Rookie | Developmental |
Dallas Wings
Like so many teams, the Wings will look completely different this season after making some major moves in free agency and drafting Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick. In addition to signing 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, the Wings also brought former No. 2 overall selection Awak Kuier back stateside.
The Wings invited 22 players to camp before making their final wave of cuts, which included veteran guard Lindsay Allen and Amy Okonkwo, who had some nice moments down the stretch last season. They also signed Costanza Verona and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu to developmental deals.
|
Awak Kuier |
Forward |
3 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Guard |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Jessica Shepard |
Forward |
5 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Alanna Smith |
Forward |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Azzi Fudd |
Guard |
Rookie |
Protected rookie |
|
Forward |
3 years |
Protected rookie |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Forward |
13 years |
Training camp |
|
|
Guard |
12 years |
Training camp |
|
|
Center |
3 years |
Training camp |
|
| Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu | Forward | 2 years | Developmental |
| Costanza Verona | Guard | Rookie | Developmental |
Golden State Valkyries
The Valkyries signed Gabby Williams in free agency, which was a big get, and lost a few deep rotation players, including Temi Fágbénlé, but are mostly bringing back the same team. In terms of minutes played, seven of their top nine from last season returned, which means their rotation won’t look too different.
Notably, No. 5 overall pick Justė Jocytė will be coming over to the WNBA this season, though she is temporarily suspended. Additionally, the team will be without French center Iliana Rupert this season because she is pregnant. Under the new CBA, players receive 100% of their base salary while they are out due to childbirth/pregnancy, but their salary does count toward the salary cap. The player does not, however, count toward their roster limit.
Indiana Fever
The Fever re-signed Kelsey Mitchell in free agency, which was their top priority, and also brought back Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham. Free-agent signings Monique Billings, Tyasha Harris and Myisha Hines-Allen, as well as No. 10 overall pick Raven Johnson, will fill out the rotation around Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
Their roster is now set after waiving Megan McConnell, Jessica Timmons and Kayana Traylor on Wednesday. Veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough made the final roster after signing a training camp contract. Second-round pick Justine Pissott will occupy one of their developmental spots.
|
Monique Billings |
Forward |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Sophie Cunningham |
Guard |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Myisha Hines-Allen |
Forward |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Lexie Hull |
Guard |
4 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Kelsey Mitchell |
Guard |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Aliyah Boston |
Center |
3 years |
Protected rookie |
|
Caitlin Clark |
Guard |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
Forward |
10 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Tyasha Harris |
Guard |
6 years |
Unprotected |
|
Forward |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Raven Johnson |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | Guard | 9 years | Training camp |
|
Justine Pissot |
Forward |
Rookie |
Developmental |
Las Vegas Aces
Unsurprisingly, the Aces are largely running it back after winning their third title in four years, and they don’t anticipate having an eventful training camp. They only invited 13 players to camp, which may have set a record. The final roster spot came down to draftees Janiah Barker and Jordan Obi, and Barker won out.
Former lottery pick Chennedy Carter also locked up a roster spot. She has gone unsigned in two of the last three seasons, but the Aces are betting on her talent.
Los Angeles Sparks
The Sparks went all in this offseason. They brought back franchise icon Nneka Ogwumike, who had spent the last two seasons in Seattle, re-signed Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby and traded former lottery pick Rickea Jackson for Ariel Atkins.
But even though the Sparks hope to contend, they have some questions about their depth. Second-round picks Ta’Niya Latson and Chance Gray both made the final roster, as did South Korean forward Jihyun Park.
|
Ariel Atkins |
Guard |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Dearica Hamby |
Forward |
11 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Nneka Ogwumike |
Forward |
14 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Kelsey Plum |
Guard |
8 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Guard |
10 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Center |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Sania Feigin |
Forward |
1 years |
Unprotected |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
|
Ta’Niya Latson |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Guard |
4 years |
Training camp |
|
|
Forward |
7 years |
Training camp |
|
|
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
|
Laura Ziegler |
Forward |
Rookie |
Developmental |
Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx‘s three leading scorers from last season — Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams — are all back, but almost nothing else remains the same in Minnesota. There was a mass exodus in the expansion draft and free agency, and they made some notable additions, including No. 2 pick Olivia Miles and veteran forward Natasha Howard.
They also got Maya Caldwell from the Fire in exchange for a third-round pick, and had a number of international rookies make the final roster, including Emma Cechova and Antonia Delaere. Emese Hof will be on a developmental deal.
|
Napheesa Collier |
Forward |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Forward |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Natasha Howard |
Forward |
12 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Kayla McBride |
Guard |
12 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Courtney Williams |
Guard |
10 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Dorka Juhász |
Center |
2 years |
Protected rookie |
|
Olivia Miles |
Guard |
Rookie |
Protected rookie |
|
Forward |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
| Maya Caldwell | Guard | 4 years | Training camp |
|
Emma Cechova |
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
| Emese Hof | Center | Rookie | Developmental |
New York Liberty
The Liberty were one of the big winners in free agency, as they brought back their Big Three of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, and also convinced All-Star forward Satou Sabally to take a discount to come to the Big Apple.
The front end of the Liberty’s roster is stacked, and they also did some nice work on the margins to solidify their depth, including re-signing Marine Johannès, Han Xu, Rebekah Gardner and Rebecca Allen. Additionally, Europeans Pauline Astier and Raquel Carrera made the final roster, while Marine Fauthoux is on a developmental deal.
Leonie Fiebich and Carrera will be temporarily suspended to begin the season.
|
Sabrina Ionescu |
Guard |
6 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Jonquel Jones |
Center |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Forward |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Satou Sabally |
Forward |
6 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Breanna Stewart |
Forward |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Forward |
10 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Leonie Fiebich |
Forward |
2 years |
Unprotected |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
|
Center |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
| Rebekah Gardner | Guard | 3 years | Training camp |
| Marine Johannès | Guard | 4 years | Training camp |
|
Han Xu |
Center |
3 years |
Training camp |
| Marine Fauthoux | Guard | Rookie | Developmental |
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury re-signed Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, but did nothing to replace All-Star forward Satou Sabally, who walked in free agency. While they’re still going to be a competitive team, a return trip to the Finals looks unlikely unless they’re able to work some true magic on the margins. They certainly made an effort to do so, as they brought in 24 players — two full rosters worth — to camp.
A number of international players made their final roster, including Kyara Linskens, Jovana Nogic and Noemie Brochant. Additionally, Marta Suarez and Shay Ciezki will occupy their developmental spots.
|
Valériane Ayayi |
Forward |
1 year |
Protected veteran |
|
Kahleah Copper |
Guard |
10 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Alyssa Thomas |
Forward |
12 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Guard |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Forward |
16 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Center |
3 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
|
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
|
Center |
1 year |
Training camp |
|
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
|
Guard |
4 years |
Training camp |
|
| Peyton Williams | Forward | Rookie | Training camp |
| Shay Ciezki | Guard | Rookie | Developmental |
| Marta Suarez | Forward | Rookie | Developmental |
Portland Fire
The Fire are one of two expansion teams to join the league this season, and they have an extremely young group. Bridget Carleton, Megan Gustafson and Karlie Samuelson are the only players on the final roster with more than four years of experience. Eight of the 11 players they selected in the expansion draft made the final roster.
Spanish guard Iyana Martín, the No. 7 overall pick, will remain in Europe this summer and will not play in the WNBA this season. Additionally, Nika Mühl will not play this season as she recovers from a torn ACL. Second-round pick Frieda Bühner will occupy a developmental spot, and Teja Oblak and Kamiah Smalls are both temporarily suspended due to injuries, so the Fire will enter the season with 15 players.
|
Forward |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Center |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
3 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Luisa Geiselsöder |
Center |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Nyiadiew Puoch |
Forward |
Rookie |
Unprotected |
| Sug Sutton | Guard | 4 years | Unprotected |
|
Serah Williams |
Forward |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Forward |
4 years |
Training camp |
|
|
Jordan Harrison |
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
Teja Oblak |
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
Guard |
3 years |
Training camp |
|
|
Frieda Bühner |
Forward |
Rookie |
Developmental |
Seattle Storm
The Storm lost a ton of talent in free agency, including Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins and Gabby Williams, but they crushed the draft by adding Awa Fam and Flau’jae Johnson. Their rebuild is already off to such a strong start that they’re actually a winner from the offseason, even though they’re going to be worse this season.
No. 14 overall pick Taina Mair — a surprise selection — was waived, but has since signed a developmental contract. Additionally, Fam has been temporarily suspended as she finishes her season in Spain with Valencia, and will join the team at a later date. Third-round pick Grace VanSlooten has made the final roster — at least for now, while Fam is suspended.
Toronto Tempo
The Tempo are one of two expansion teams joining the league this season, and they took a completely opposite approach from the Fire in both the expansion draft and free agency. This is a veteran team that’s out to compete this season and has an outside chance to make the playoffs. Draft picks Kiki Rice and Teonni Key are the only two players on the roster under 25 years old.
The Tempo ended up only keeping four players they selected in the expansion draft: Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally, Lexi Held and Maria Conde. They bolstered their roster with free-agent signings such as Brittney Sykes, Isabelle Harrison and Canadian Kia Nurse.
|
Guard |
3 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Temi Fágbénlé |
Forward |
5 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Guard |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
9 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Guard |
7 years |
Protected veteran |
|
|
Center |
3 years |
Protected rookie |
|
|
Forward |
8 years |
Unprotected |
|
|
Teonni Key |
Center |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Kiki Rice |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Maria Conde |
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
Guard |
1 year |
Training camp |
|
|
Laura Juškaitė |
Forward |
Rookie |
Training camp |
| Mariella Fasoula | Center | Rookie | Developmental |
Washington Mystics
The Mystics decided to match the three-year max offer sheet that Shakira Austin signed with the Tempo in free agency, and she will return as the second-most experienced player on the roster. In fact, Michaela Onyenwere is the only other player who has more than one year in the WNBA under her belt
Including developmental spots, nine rookies ended up making the roster, including their three first-round picks this year, Lauren Betts (No. 4), Angela Dugalić (No. 9) and Cotie McMahon (No. 11). Second-round pick Cassandre Prosper and third-round pick Rori Harmon also made the squad.
Second-round pick Darianna Littlepage-Buggs and Spanish guard Alicia Flórez will occupy their developmental spots.
|
Shakira Austin |
Forward |
4 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Michaela Onyenwere |
Forward |
5 years |
Protected veteran |
|
Lauren Betts |
Center |
Rookie |
Protected rookie |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Unprotected |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Forward |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Guard |
1 year |
Unprotected |
|
|
Angela Dugalić |
Forward |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Rori Harmon |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Cotie McMahon |
Forward |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Cassandre Prosper |
Guard |
Rookie |
Draftee |
|
Guard |
Rookie |
Training camp |
|
| Darianna Littlepage-Buggs | Forward | Rookie | Developmental |
