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.
Jordin Canada
Guard
8 years
Protected veteran
Allisha Gray
Guard
9 years
Protected veteran
Naz Hillmon
Forward
4 years
Protected veteran
Rhyne Howard
Guard
4 years
Protected veteran
Brionna Jones
Center
9 years
Protected veteran
Isobel Borlase
Guard
Rookie
Unprotected
Te-Hina Paopao
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Angel Reese
Forward
2 years
Unprotected
Madina Okot
Center
Rookie
Draftee
Indya Nivar
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Sika Koné
Forward
3 years
Training camp
Holly Winterburn
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.
Rachel Banham
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
Courtney Vandersloot
Guard
11 years
Protected veteran
Elizabeth Williams
Center
15 years
Protected veteran
Gabriela Jaquez
Guard
Rookie
Protected rookie
Kamilla Cardoso
Center
2 years
Unprotected
Natasha CloudGuard10 yearsUnknown
Rickea Jackson
Forward
2 years
Unprotected
Jacy Sheldon
Guard
2 years
Unprotected
Sydney Taylor
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Aicha CoulibalyGuard
RookieDevelopmentalMaddy WestbeldForward1 yearDevelopmental
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.
Kennedy Burke
Forward
6 years
Protected veteran
Brittney Griner
Center
12 years
Protected veteran
Olivia Nelson-Ododa
Forward
4 years
Protected veteran
Diamond Miller
Guard
3 years
Protected rookie
Aaliyah Edwards
Forward
2 years
Unprotected
Leïla Lacan
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Aneesah Morrow
Forward
1 year
Unprotected
Saniya Rivers
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 LithGuard1 yearTraining campAshlon JacksonGuardRookieDevelopmental
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
Arike Ogunbowale
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
Maddy Siegrist
Forward
3 years
Protected rookie
Paige Bueckers
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Aziaha James
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
JJ Quinerly
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Alysha Clark
Forward
13 years
Training camp
Odyssey Sims
Guard
12 years
Training camp
Li Yueru
Center
3 years
Training camp
Dulcy Fankam MendjiadeuForward2 yearsDevelopmentalCostanza VeronaGuardRookieDevelopmental
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
Damiris Dantas
Forward
10 years
Unprotected
Tyasha Harris
Guard
6 years
Unprotected
Makayla Timpson
Forward
1 year
Unprotected
Raven Johnson
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Shatori Walker-KimbroughGuard9 yearsTraining 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
Erica Wheeler
Guard
10 years
Protected veteran
Cameron Brink
Center
2 years
Unprotected
Sania Feigin
Forward
1 years
Unprotected
Chance Gray
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Ta’Niya Latson
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Rae Burrell
Guard
4 years
Training camp
Emma Cannon
Forward
7 years
Training camp
Jihyun Park
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
Nia Coffey
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
Anastasiia Olairi Kosu
Forward
1 year
Unprotected
Maya CaldwellGuard4 yearsTraining camp
Emma Cechova
Forward
Rookie
Training camp
Antonia Delaere
Forward
Rookie
Training camp
Eliska Hamzova
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Emese HofCenter
RookieDevelopmental
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
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Forward
9 years
Protected veteran
Satou Sabally
Forward
6 years
Protected veteran
Breanna Stewart
Forward
9 years
Protected veteran
Rebecca Allen
Forward
10 years
Unprotected
Leonie Fiebich
Forward
2 years
Unprotected
Pauline Astier
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Raquel Carrera
Center
Rookie
Training camp
Rebekah GardnerGuard3 yearsTraining campMarine JohannèsGuard4 years
Training camp
Han Xu
Center
3 years
Training camp
Marine FauthouxGuardRookieDevelopmental
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
Sami Whitcomb
Guard
9 years
Protected veteran
Monique Akoa Makani
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
DeWanna Bonner
Forward
16 years
Unprotected
Natasha Mack
Center
3 years
Unprotected
Noemie Brochant
Forward
Rookie
Training camp
Quionche Carter
Forward
Rookie
Training camp
Kyara Linskens
Center
1 year
Training camp
Jovana Nogic
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Kiana Williams
Guard
4 years
Training camp
Peyton WilliamsForwardRookieTraining camp Shay CiezkiGuardRookieDevelopmentalMarta SuarezForwardRookieDevelopmental
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.
Bridget Carleton
Forward
7 years
Protected veteran
Megan Gustafson
Center
7 years
Protected veteran
Haley Jones
Guard
3 years
Protected veteran
Karlie Samuelson
Guard
7 years
Protected veteran
Sarah Ashlee Barker
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Luisa Geiselsöder
Center
1 year
Unprotected
Carla Leite
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Nyiadiew Puoch
Forward
Rookie
Unprotected
Sug SuttonGuard4 years
Unprotected
Serah Williams
Forward
Rookie
Draftee
Emily Engstler
Forward
4 years
Training camp
Jordan Harrison
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Teja Oblak
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Kamiah Smalls
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.
Julie Allemand
Guard
3 years
Protected veteran
Temi Fágbénlé
Forward
5 years
Protected veteran
Marina Mabrey
Guard
7 years
Protected veteran
Brittney Sykes
Guard
9 years
Protected veteran
Kia Nurse
Guard
7 years
Protected veteran
Nyara Sabally
Center
3 years
Protected rookie
Isabelle Harrison
Forward
8 years
Unprotected
Teonni Key
Center
Rookie
Draftee
Kiki Rice
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Maria Conde
Forward
Rookie
Training camp
Lexi Held
Guard
1 year
Training camp
Laura Juškaitė
Forward
Rookie
Training camp
Mariella FasoulaCenterRookieDevelopmental
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
Georgia Amoore
Guard
Rookie
Unprotected
Sonia Citron
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Kiki Iriafen
Forward
1 year
Unprotected
Lucy Olsen
Guard
1 year
Unprotected
Angela Dugalić
Forward
Rookie
Draftee
Rori Harmon
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Cotie McMahon
Forward
Rookie
Draftee
Cassandre Prosper
Guard
Rookie
Draftee
Alex Wilson
Guard
Rookie
Training camp
Darianna Littlepage-BuggsForwardRookieDevelopmental
