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The WNBA season is coming up fast, and there\u2019s a lot that\u2019s been happening during the free agency period\u2014starting with a new collective bargaining agreement<\/a> between the league and the players, which makes contract possibilities much more lucrative this season in particular. Several big names have already shifted around, which could have huge implications for teams this season.<\/p>\n The 2026 WNBA Draft happens on April 13, and preseason games kick off on April 25<\/a>, making now go-time for teams to figure out what\u2019s next for the season ahead. But plenty of big moves have already taken place.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know about the WNBA free agency period, plus what it all means.<\/p>\n First, there are important WNBA free agency terms to know.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll hear a lot of terms thrown around to describe an athlete\u2019s status during this time, and it\u2019s important to understand what they mean. These are the big ones you may hear, per the WNBA<\/a>:<\/p>\n Unrestricted free agent: This is a player that can enter into negotiations with any team without any issue.Restricted free agent: This is a player with four years under their belt whose contact has expired who receives a \u201cqualifying offer\u201d from their current team. (This is basically a one-year deal that allows the team the chance to match any offer the player gets from another team.)Core player: A core player is someone who gets a Core Qualifying Offer, which is a one-year deal on the maximum base salary available to players. A player who has been given a Core Qualifying Offer can only sign or negotiate with that team during the free agency period, although the team and player can still negotiate to move the player elsewhere through a trade if they both wish.Reserved player: This is any player within three years of playing time or less who has received a Reserved Qualifying Offer. That subjects the player to the team\u2019s exclusive negotiating rights.What\u2019s happening during the free agency period?<\/p>\n A lot, actually. Here\u2019s a breakdown of the major changes that have gotten buzz.<\/p>\n Angel Reese was traded to Atlanta.<\/p>\n Fans were pretty shocked when Angel Reese<\/a> was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream after two seasons with the team. Angel\u2019s time there was a little sticky\u2014she was suspended after she publicly criticized the franchise, for starters. Angel also spoke out after coach Teresa Weatherspoon was fired, writing on X<\/a> that she was \u201cheartbroken\u201d by the move. Angel later wrote on Instagram<\/a> that her move to Atlanta was \u201can Angel\u2019s dream.\u201d<\/p>\n The Dream are also reportedly<\/a> signing current stars Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, and Naz Hillmon<\/a> to multi-year deals, making this team real contenders for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n Jackie Young got the first $1 million WNBA contract ever.<\/p>\n WNBA salaries<\/a> have historically not been great. But the league and players\u2019 union just reached a new CBA<\/a> that opened up salaries and benefits for players.<\/p>\n The Las Vegas Aces responded by reportedly offering two-time Olympic gold medalist Jackie Young<\/a> a $1.19 million contract. The agreement is being finalized, according to ESPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n Since then, it\u2019s been reported that Kelsey Mitchell is expected<\/a> to sign a $1.4 million supermax contract with the Indiana Fever. Arike Ogunbowale will also sign a seven-figure multi-year contract with the Dallas Wings, though ESPN reports<\/a> she\u2019ll take less than the supermax in order to open up more cap space for the Wings to build around her.<\/p>\n Nneka Ogwumike is returning to the Los Angeles Sparks.<\/p>\n The rumors about where unrestricted free agent and players\u2019 union president Nneka Ogwumike<\/a> might land were flying earlier this week when a balloon company shared their \u201cWELCOME NNEKA\u201d display made for\u2026the Minnesota Lynx. \u201cmy fyp is getting a little too personal,\u201d Nneka joked on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Apparently that was just a quick visit, because Nneka later announced that she\u2019ll actually be heading back to the Sparks. She spent her first 12 seasons in L.A., and now the 10-time WNBA All-star is headed back after spending two seasons with the Seattle Storm. \u201cIt was always see you later, now I\u2019ll see you soon\u2026,\u201d Nneka wrote on Instagram.<\/a><\/p>\n Rickea Jackson may be traded.<\/p>\n The Chicago Sky and Los Angeles Sparks are reportedly discussing a trade to ship Ariel Atkins to the Sparks in exchange for Rickea Jackson<\/a> to Chicago Sky, per Front Office Sports Reporter Annie Costabile. \u201cWhile nothing is finalized, an announcement is expected Saturday,\u201d Costabile wrote on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men\u2019s Health, Women\u2019s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She has a master\u2019s degree from American University, lives by the beach, and hopes to own a teacup pig and taco truck one day.<\/p>\n![\"Headshot](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775863749_931_ea27d1a6-ecd9-4da8-b2a7-049a03b4ab93_1528214135.file.png\" "\\"Headshot")
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