Now that a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is in place, WNBA free agency is set to open ahead of the 2026 season.

With the salary cap expected to jump from $1.5 million to $7 million, many veterans chose to let their contracts expire in pursuit of more lucrative deals. As a result, several players are technically free agents this spring.

It remains to be seen which players will actually test the market. A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu have already committed to staying with their current teams. Meanwhile, Napheesa Collier underwent offseason surgery on both ankles, making a departure from the Minnesota Lynx unlikely.

That quickly takes several marquee names off the board as potential free-agent targets. More decisions are expected in the coming days, and this list of top available players will be updated as clarity emerges throughout the offseason.

Best WNBA Free Agents 2026
Ranking the Top WNBA Free Agents in 2026

Alyssa Thomas

Alyssa Thomas is unlikely to leave the Phoenix Mercury after a strong first season in which the team fully maximized her skill set. She averaged 15.4 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.8 rebounds, thriving in an all-around role.

Still, Thomas stands out as the top potential free agent on the market. She has received MVP votes in each of the past four seasons, underscoring her status as one of the league’s most impactful players.

Allisha Gray

Under first-year coach Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray had the best season of her career. She finished fourth in the MVP race, averaging 18.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest.

I’m sure the Dream will make a concerted effort to bring back Gray, especially after trading two first-round picks for Angel Reese. Their championship odds went from +1200 to +900 after landing Reese, but those odds will move backward if Gray walks in free agency.

Kelsey Mitchell

The one bright spot about Caitlin Clark’s lost season in 2025 is that it allowed Kelsey Mitchell to prove her worth. In a leading role, Mitchell averaged 20.2 points and 3.4 assists per outing, finishing fifth in MVP voting.

Indiana will prioritize bringing Mitchell back to form a dangerous duo in the backcourt, but what if another team offers her a shot to be their franchise player?

Jackie Young

The Aces will try to do everything they can to keep their core intact after winning a third championship in four years. But there is no telling what Jackie Young could command in the open market at 28 years old.

Young has found a way to take her game to a new level for four straight seasons. In 2026, she averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 47.5% from the floor.

Jonquel Jones

I’m most curious about how the new CBA will impact the No. 3 options on the super teams. With Stewart and Ionescu returning to the Liberty, Jones could be tempted by more money elsewhere if she can’t get a reasonable deal to come back.

Jones’ regular-season commitment and energy can waver at times, but she has game-changing ability when she’s locked in. That’s how she won the 2024 Finals MVP award.

Chelsea Gray

Speaking of third options who take their game to another level on the biggest stage, Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray could be an ideal target for a team needing a veteran playmaker. Even at 33, Gray is one of the best facilitators and clutch performers in the league.

Kahleah Copper

Due to health reasons, Kahleah Copper was limited to 28 games and 26.9 minutes per contest. Her scoring dropped from 21.1 points in 2024 to an average of 15.6 in her second campaign with the Mercury.

With improved health, Copper should rebound in 2026. But it might be on a different team if she opts to test free agency.

Kelsey Plum

Kelsey Plum left the Aces to run her own show with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2025, averaging 19.5 points and 5.7 assists. I’d be surprised if she left town after one season, but it was also unexpected for her to demand a trade out of Las Vegas in the first place.

Dearcia Hamby

Since leaving Las Vegas in 2022, Dearcia Hamby has found her footing with the Sparks over the last three seasons. She averaged 18.4 points and 7.9 rebounds last year.

Nneka Ogwumike

The most underrated player in the league is probably too low on this list. Nneka Ogwumike, 35, is as reliable as it gets. She averaged 18.3 points and seven rebounds in her second season with the Seattle Storm.