2026 WNBA free agency has arrived, and a number of core designations have been extended to top stars in the league. It’s the calm before the storm, and the chaos has yet to transpire.
Photo Credit: Jineen Williams | Ballislife
On Tuesday, teams sent qualifying offers and core designations to select players. Today marks the official day when free agents can negotiate with their desired teams. There are over 100 players set to become free agents, 77 of whom are unrestricted, which means veteran players can sign with any team without restrictions. Several players are expected to cash in following the maximum salary increase to $1.4 million and the WNBA salary cap rising to $7 million.
Since the players’ union and WNBA agreed to a historic six-year collective bargaining agreement, nearly every player will become a free agent, barring Kahlani Brown (Phoenix Mercury), Lexie Brown (Seattle Storm), and a slew of players who are currently signed to rookie contracts.
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There’s no question that the CBA took considerable time to culminate, which means the free agency frenzy will be condensed. Five days remain until the 2026 WNBA Draft, and 30 until the regular-season tips off. Get ready for the ride—this period is about to be frenetic.
The offseason began with fireworks as the Chicago Sky sent their former cornerstone star, Angel Reese, to the Atlanta Dream. In return, Chicago received 2027 and 2028 first-round draft picks, and Atlanta gets a second-round pick swap with Chicago in the 2028 WNBA Draft.
Players, including Aliyah Boston (Fever), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Paige Bueckers (Wings), Angel Reese (Dream), Kamilla Cardoso (Sky), Rickea Jackson (Sparks), Cameron Brink (Sparks), Kiki Iriafen (Mystics), Sonia Citron (Mystics), among others, remain on rookie-scale contracts that are inked for four years.
Let’s see which players were cored, as most players are willing to sign with anyone. Who will actually stay, and who will bolt for a new opportunity? Perhaps greener pastures may be on the horizon for some.
What is a Core Designation?
A Core is a fully guaranteed one-year, supermax deal that can be offered to restricted and unrestricted free agents. Players who are “cored” can negotiate only with their current team, though a sign-and-trade can still be completed (teams must negotiate a deal other than the max under new CBA rules). Players cannot be cored more than twice. Teams can core only one player at a time.
Being cored doesn’t mean a player will automatically stay with that team. Players can be traded, but not for the same value as the supermax. For example, Kelsey Plum was core designated by the Las Vegas Aces last season and was shipped to the Los Angeles Sparks in a three-team trade that involved Jewell Loyd.
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 8, 2026
The core tag is similar to the NFL’s franchise tag. A key topic in CBA negotiations, both sides made concessions regarding the core designation. There were reports that the players’ union expressed a desire to eliminate the concept, but the WNBA didn’t waver. Instead, players with six or fewer years of service can be tagged. A cored player will receive a one-year $1.4 million supermax salary. In return, teams will get negotiating rights.
Prior to the new CBA, any player could be tagged twice. This new agreement makes it more player-friendly, allowing certain players to feel less trapped. At the same time, applying the tag gives teams the freedom to secure rising stars.
Players Who Were Given Core Tag
I wasn’t all that surprised that certain athletes were given the core tag, such as Kelsey Mitchell (Fever) and Kelsey Plum (Sparks). Napheesa Collier (Lynx) and Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty). I wasn’t expecting Breanna Stewart or A’ja Wilson to get the tag, but I was intrigued by some teams’ reluctance to lock down certain stars.
That includes Satou Sabally, who already bid farewell to the Phoenix Mercury on Instagram. Sabally, who hasn’t touched the hardwood in six months, was a crucial part of the X-Factor’s 2025 Finals run.
Kelsey Mitchell, Indiana Fever
This is a great option for the Fever, who locked up Mitchell with the core. Preventing her from entering free agency, it reunites one of their franchise cornerstones with Indiana (for one season at least).
This is a fantastic move for the Fever, who already have Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Makayla Timpson secured on rookie contracts. The decision to core Mitchell not only pivots the franchise in a familiar direction, but one that will best lead the Fever to a championship.
Kelsey Mitchell was outstanding in the @IndianaFever‘s win over the Las Vegas Aces
25 PTS | 3 REB | 4 AST
Her efforts helped the Fever force a Game 5 on Tuesday!#WelcometotheW | WNBA Playoffs | @Google pic.twitter.com/X7R3AhCxlD
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 28, 2025
Selected by Indiana No. 2 overall in 2018, Mitchell has long been the Fever’s foundation. Having played all eight WNBA seasons with the Fever, Mitchell notably led the Fever to a near finals run. Albeit injuries to Clark and others, Mitchell practically sacrificed her health (rhabdomyolysis) to carry the team.
Mitchell has thus far averaged 17.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while shooting 43.1% from the field and 38.1% from three. In 244 career games with the Fever, she started in all but two games over the past five seasons.
Last year, we saw Mitchell average a career-best 20.2 points, along with 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Without Clark on the court for a majority of the season, Mitchell led the Fever to a 24-20 record, the best since the 2015 season. While Indiana has several free agents on deck, the franchise committed to Mitchell, who provides pace, high-volume scoring, 3-point prowess, and shot creation.
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
No surprise here, the Lynx lock up their core superstar in Napheesa Collier. Selected No. 6 overall by the Lynx in the draft, Collier has emerged as one of the all-time Minnesota greats. A five-time WNBA All-Star, Collier represents every aspect the Lynx franchise stands for: grit, aptitude, leadership, and a will to win.
Named All-WNBA First Team for the third time in 2025, Collier led WNBA MVP discussions until she was sidelined for 11 games due to an ankle injury. The dagger occurred when she suffered a season-ending injury during the semifinals against the Mercury.
Even so, Collier recorded her finest season to date: 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.5 blocks. In 33 regular-season games, Collier shot an elite 53.1% from the field and 40.3% from beyond the arc.
Napheesa Collier is the Commissioner’s Cup MVP as the Lynx beat the Liberty in the championship round pic.twitter.com/9zKBruMRch
— WNBA Got Game (@wnbagotgame) June 26, 2024
A pillar of the Lynx’s success, Collier has been a part of six playoff runs in seven years under head coach Cheryl Reeve. The Lynx are a prestigious franchise that’s won four WNBA championships. While the Lindsay Whalen, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles eras are over, they are immortalized in the rafters.
Collier is the clear franchise piece, and the Lynx are making that known. This is a team that was a free-throw or two away from a championship just a few years ago. There’s no question that the Lynx lost a piece of its core in Bridget Carleton in the expansion draft, and Alanna Smith may be out the door.
The blueprint is in Reeve’s and the company’s hands. Only Dorka Juhàsz and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu are under contract. Heading into free agency, six players are unrestricted free agents, including Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, and DiJonai Carrington.
Kelsey Plum, Los Angeles Sparks
It’s no surprise that the City of Angels placed the designated core on veteran guard Kelsey Plum. It’s her second time receiving the tag, and she was notably traded to LA last year in a three-team deal.
The Sparks’ performance under head coach Lynne Roberts was lackluster in 2025, as they missed the playoffs entirely with a 21-23 record. But, there was a semi-valid reason for that. Cameron Brink was still recovering from an ACL tear, and both Rickea Jackson and Rae Burrell missed time with injuries.
Plum was steady through all the hardship contracts. Leading the team in scoring, Plum posted 19.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals in 43 regular-season games. Boasting a 38.3 3-point percentage, Plum was named a 2025 WNBA All-Star in her first season in the Golden State.
KELSEY PLUM GAME WINNERRRRRRRR pic.twitter.com/ZJX2erY61x
— Bala (@BalaPattySZN) August 21, 2025
I get the frustration of Sparks fans, who are in the midst of a five-year playoff drought. After all, LA is one of the most decorated franchises in WNBA history, one that boasts three championships. It’s obvious that the Sparks’ vision is to have Plum as its veteran franchise cornerstone. She will continue to lead the team as a primary playmaker and a player who bears championship experience.
With free agency underway, it’s difficult to gauge who the Sparks will re-sign and acquire. LA will continue to build its core around Plum, Brink, and Jackson, both of whom are on rookie contracts. This week, the Sparks sent reserved qualifying offers to Burrell. Alissa Pili and Julie Vanloo.
If Plum remains a Spark, perhaps the biggest upgrade needed will be defense.
Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty
A California native, Sabrina Ionescu has grown to cherish Brooklyn and the Liberty faithful. Ionescu long expressed her desire to return to the Concrete Jungle, and New York has locked up its star.
There’s no doubt that the Liberty plans to run it back with the 2024 championship starting five: Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, and Jonquel Jones. A mainstay of the organization since 2020, Ionescu has blossomed into the franchise’s centerpiece alongside Jones and Stewart.
SABRINA IONESCU HITS THE GAME 3 WNBA FINALS GAME-WINNER FROM THE LOGO!
Legendary shot! pic.twitter.com/psAoLBxGS6
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) October 17, 2024
Ionescu’s rookie season was cut short by an ankle injury, but she’s improved each season since. Known for her 3-point prowess, Ionescu has immensely improved her defense, floaters, and facilitating over the years. Leading the Liberty to five playoff appearances in six years, she’s not only become a staple in the starting five but a franchise favorite.
Albeit a down shooting year, Ionescu has averaged 16.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals in 181 regular-season games with New York. Ionescu is back and joins Leonie Fiebich, the only player under contract. The Liberty makes their plans transparent, and Ionescu will be a crucial part of a championship.
Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas Wings
I originally thought Arike Ogunbowale would be non-protected and selected in the WNBA expansion draft. Instead, the Dallas Wings use the core tag on Arike, once again reuniting Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers.
Bueckers made the most in her first season in the Lone Star State, earning All-Star and Rookie of the Year honors. Under former head coach Chris Koclanes, the Wings tied the Sky for a league-worst 10-34 record. Nonetheless, the Wings were dealt injuries, roster changes, and much more.
The Wings hold the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft for the second consecutive year. Although UConn’s Azzi Fudd was the popular choice early on, several suitors could be chosen at one. That includes Lauren Betts, Awa Fam, and Olivia Miles.
Buckets on demand
Arike Ogunbowale averaged 15.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 4.1 APG, and 1.3 SPG for the Dallas Wings during the 2025 season.
Follow along right here for all things 2026 #WNBAFreeAgency pic.twitter.com/QEsvwrbGpz
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 6, 2026
If Arike isn’t traded, that means the Wings are committing to constructing their roster around both Bueckers and Ogunbowale. It’s a smart move to lock up its star, who has spent seven years of her career in Dallas. Though limited to 29 games last season, Arike has been the team’s foundation for years.
Dallas is in the process of rebuilding its core, and they are headed in a great direction. Bueckers, along with Aziaha James, JJ Quinerly, Maddy Siegrist, and Diamond Miller, are under contract. Preserving its younger players, Dallas has the potential to become a hot spot for free agency.
Ogunbowale is a three-level scorer who has averaged 19.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.5 steals in 224 regular-season games with the Wings. She led the Wings to the playoffs from 2021-23; she knows what it takes to get back there. With that core, I’m expecting Dallas to either draft Olivia Miles or a big with Betts or Fam.
Marina Mabrey, Toronto Tempo
I was initially surprised that the Connecticut Sun didn’t protect Marina Mabrey, who was chosen by the Toronto Tempo in the expansion draft. Mabrey was originally sent to Connecticut in a package that gave them a playoff run. Unfortunately, the Sun fell short of that goal, causing the entire starting five to depart. And there was Mabrey, the last one standing. She initially requested a trade from Connecticut, but was denied.
As the Sun wraps up its final season in Connecticut, it’s apparent that the franchise is sticking with its young core before relocating to Houston.
Mabrey may finally get her wish and receive a fresh start with the WNBA’s newest franchise. I like this for Mabrey, who will play for “the” Sandy Brondello. A championship coach with the Mercury and Liberty, she notably developed Ionescu as a guard.
The Connecticut Sun say goodbye to Marina Mabrey: pic.twitter.com/ubcLXFLtNC
— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) April 8, 2026
Mabrey is given a similar opportunity, but this time she will lead an entirely new squad. Selected by the Sparks No. 19 overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft, Mabrey jumped ship quite a few times, and not by choice. Since 2019, she’s laced up for the Sparks, Wings, Sky, and Sun. Now she has the opportunity to become the face of the franchise, with the possibility of a permanent home.
Mabrey will receive the supermax and is a “do-it-all” caliber of player. As we witnessed in Unrivaled, Mabrey is known for her 3-point prowess, but can score in a variety of ways. Aside from her crash-out jar, Mabrey is one of the fiercest competitors in the WNBA. While she doesn’t join an immediate contender, the Tempo made it clear that their blueprint is built for winning.
Although she had a somewhat down year, Mabrey has averaged 12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists throughout her career. Through 229 regular-season games, the chef is shooting a career 40.2% from the field and 34.7% from beyond the arc. She joins Aaliyah Nye, along with Julie Allemand, Lexi Held, Maria Kliundokova, Kitija Laksa, and Nikolina Milić, who all received reserved qualifying contracts.
Allisha Gray, Atlanta Dream
Atlanta went ahead and tagged one of its star players. It was never a doubt in my mind, but once the Angel Reese trade was set in stone, make no mistake, the Dream will proceed with a new big three: Reese, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard.
The Dream is fresh off a franchise-best 30-win season under head coach Karl Smesko, although they were routed by the Indiana Fever in the playoffs. This was the second-ranked team in the WNBA, and by tagging Gray, the team locks up its core.
Both Gray and Howard are considered top two-way guards in the WNBA, and Gray is a true three-level scorer. Her ability to create, shoot off the dribble, and penetrate downhill makes her one of the most elite guards in the league.
Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray came dressed the part on and off the court. The sharper shooters combined for 40 today.
Game 1 goes to the Dream in the best of 3 series pic.twitter.com/4sfU1IdckG
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 14, 2025
Selected No. 4 overall by Dallas in the 2017 WNBA Draft, she was acquired by Atlanta in 2023 and emerged as its leading scorer in 2025. Posting a career-best 18.4 points per game, Gray thrived in Smesko’s heavy 3-point offensive scheme. In addition, she recorded 5.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and started all 42 games for the Dream.
It’s clear that the Dream is willing to run it back by sending restricted qualifying offers to both Howard and Naz Hillmon. Gray was an unrestricted free agent, and there was no chance the Dream would let her walk.
Reese, Te-Hina Paopao, and Taylor Thierry are all under contract. By locking up its core foundation of players, expect the Dream to make a title push this year.
Bridget Carleton, Portland Fire
I was a bit surprised when the Portland Fire chose Bridget Carleton No. 1 overall in the expansion draft. They selected their unrestricted free agent, and Carleton will headline the WNBA’s newest expansion. A native of Canada, I was certain the Tempo would select her, but instead, she became a founding pillar in the Rose City
Carleton became a mainstay in Minnesota, spending six full seasons in the Land of 1000 Lakes. She emerged as a bona fide starter in 2024 and became a vital part of the team’s championship run.
Bridget “BIG SHOT” Carleton delivers a HUGE triple late in the 4th #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV pic.twitter.com/kM0oipsFUB
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 19, 2024
Rostered on a previously loaded Lynx team, Carleton averaged a career-best 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 2024. Considered one of the deadliest flamethrowers in the game, Carleton is a 39.1% career 3-point shooter. In 2024, she shot 44.4% from beyond the arc.
It’s not a bad gig for Carleton, who gets a fresh opportunity and a massive payday. That said, we’ve seen her ability to carry a team or lead a team, for that matter. At 28 years old, time will tell whether Carleton is the right star to build around. What I know for sure will be her impact beyond the arc.
While the franchise’s face is yet to be determined, Portland locks up its UFA and additionally sent restricted and reserved qualifying offers to Sug Sutton, Chloe Bibby, Maya Caldwell, Emily Engstler, Luisa Geiselsöder, and Haley Jones. I’m not particularly fond of the initial roster build, but Carleton cashes out big-time.
Ezi Magbegor, Seattle Storm
This is not surprising, given that Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins are core ineligible. According to Roberta Rodriguez, F. Rodrigues of Forbes, Diggins, and Ogwumike are likely to depart the Emerald City following the firing of former head coach Noelle Quinn. Hence, the balloon welcome videos leaked on Wednesday were recorded during Ogwumike’s visit with the Lynx.
The Storm franchise will embark on a new journey under head coach Sonia Raman, and it’s evident that the franchise is committing to stabilizing its front court with Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga.
I initially thought Seattle would tag Gabby Williams or Brittney Sykes, but I like this move for several reasons. Selected No. 12 overall by Seattle in the 2019 draft, Magbegor is a WNBA champion who was recently named All-WNBA Defensive Second Team for the third time in her career.
Not on Ezi’s watch
Ezi Magbegor rises up for the REJECTION!
LAS-SEA | League Pass pic.twitter.com/5TDGBfW7HV
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 2, 2025
Magbegor isn’t a lock to play for Seattle, as with the others, but in today’s game, a strong frontcourt is vital. The Storm locks down one of the most elite defenders in the game, who’s just 26 years old.
Assuming Diggins and Ogwumike walk, the Storm hold the No. 3 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. If Seattle re-signs Williams, Seattle will boast one of the league’s most formidable defenses. A player such as Olivia Miles could really round out the starting lineup.
Of course, there’s always the possibility of swapping Magbegor for another player, and I’m not leaving that option off the table. At 6-foot-4, Magbegor possesses the size, speed, and length that some players don’t have. In 206 regular-season games with Seattle, she’s posted 9.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks.
Either way, it’s a well-deserved payday for one of the most elite defenders in the WNBA.
Ariel Atkins, Chicago Sky
Alas, Ariel Atkins is the last player standing in Chicago, minus Kamilla Cardoso, Haley Van Lith, and Kathryn Westbeld.
Atkins got the bag, and rightfully so. But the franchise has made questionable decisions year after year. Atkins was originally traded to the Sky from the Washington Mystics for the No. 3 overall pick, which turned into Sonia Citron. Furthermore, the franchise gave up a 2027 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick swap. It would look foolish of them to protect Atkins.
Ariel Atkins has received Core qualifying offer from the Sky. pic.twitter.com/MGD5DNeIlP
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 7, 2026
The Sky fumbled its franchise star Angel Reese, who was traded to the Dream this week. Prior to that, they traded their picks in the expansion draft to protect whom? As of Wednesday, Chicago only sent a reserved qualifying offer to Sevi Uzun.
It’s evident that Chicago envisioned itself as a contender last season and went all-in after trading for Atkins. With multiple GM and head coaching changes, this franchise is far from competing. By tagging Atkins, Chicago is committed to rebuilding around both her and Cardoso.
I can’t even grade this, given that Chicago has six unstructured free agents that will hit the market. Atkins would receive a full guaranteed $1.4 million, which means she’s unable to negotiate with other teams. There is a possibility that Atkins may decline this offer and could be moved via a sign-and-trade.
Atkins, 29, averaged 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.6 steals in 34 regular-season games with Chicago. Known for her defensive mastery, she may be a better fit somewhere else, especially a contender.
Sara Jane Gamelli is the Managing Editor and Senior Staff Writer at Ballislife.com, as well as Director of Ballislife Bets. Follow her on X at @SaraJGamelli.
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