A’ja Wilson wants to win another title with Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson talks to the media before the WNBA expansion draft, and expresses her desire to stay in Vegas.
With signing day behind us, WNBA rosters are starting to round into shape.
With free agency into its seventh day, teams have started signing players to their new, much larger deals. Many big name players signed on Saturday with Satou Sabally going to the New York Liberty, Skylar Diggins to the Chicago Sky and Monique Billings to the Indiana Fever.
Sophie Cunningham has also agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Indiana Fever.
As free agency continues, it can be hard to keep up with all the movement. USA TODAY has you covered with the latest news, rumors, updates and more.
The Phoenix Mercury announced that long-time player DeWanna Bonner is playing another year with the franchise. Bonner, a 16-year veteran, returns to the Phoenix for her 12th overall season with the team. She’s also had stints with the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever during her career.
“Having DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform is incredibly meaningful to our organization,” said general manager Nick U’Ren. “She brings a championship mindset, elite skillset and the kind of leadership that defines winning teams.”
After losing Satou Sabally to the Liberty, the Mercury retained forward Alyssa Thomas and now, guard Kahleah Copper. On Sunday, the organization announced it re-signed the WNBA champion.
“Kahleah is a true leader, on and off the court, one of the most explosive athletes in our game and competes with a relentless edge and toughness,” Mercury general manager Nick U’Ren said. “Her impact on both ends of the court and ability to deliver in the biggest moments make her truly special.”
The Minnesota Lynx lost free agent guard DiJonai Carrington to Chicago on Sunday. Carrington was traded to Minnesota last season after a brief stint with the Dallas Wings.
“We’re thrilled to bring DiJonai to the Sky,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said. “She brings speed, defense, versatility and a fierce competitive spirit, and we can’t wait to see her electrify Skytown.”
Carrington played 31 games last season, averaging 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals. In September 2025, the Lynx announced Carrington would miss the rest of the regular season with a ” significant mid-foot sprain.” The former Minnesota guard also missed the postseason with the injury.
ESPN reports that veteran forward Natasha Howard plans to join the Minnesota Lynx on a two-year, $1.4 million deal.
Howard spent two seasons with Minnesota, winning a championship with the franchise in 2017. She moves on to the Lynx after playing just one season with the Indiana Fever. Howard finished 2025 averaging 11.4 points on 55.2%, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a game.
Kayla McBride agreed on two-year deal with the Minnesota Lynx, ESPN reported. She averaged 14.2 points and 3.5 assists for the Lynx last season.
The Seattle Storm Ezi Magbegor has re-signed. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“From the start, it was a priority for us to bring Ezi back to Seattle. She means a great deal to this organization and to our city,” Storm GM Talisa Rhea said. “On the court, she has a real impact on the defensive end with her ability to cover ground, protect the rim and disrupt plays. She anchors us.”
The Sky announced Courtney Vandersloot will return after appearing in seven games last season after suffering her ACL injury in June.
“I truly believe the Sky are building something special, which made it a no-brainer to sign back,” Vandersloot said in a statement. “Finishing last season with an injury was disappointing, but I’m eager to be back on the court.”
The Golden State Valkyries announced they have signed All-Star forward Gabby Williams to a multiyear deal. An All-Defensive team pick last season, Williams averaged 11.6 points and 4.2 assists last season. She led the league in steals with 99, one shy of the season record set by Teresa Weatherspoon.
The Minnesota Lynx have re-signed one half of the StudBudz. Courtney Williams has agreed to a two-year max deal to return to the Minnesota Lynx, ESPN reported. The contract will pay $2.4 million.
Natisha Hiedeman, Williams’ “twin,” has agreed to a two-year deal with the Seattle Storm.
On Sunday, the Los Angeles Sparks traded forward Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky in exchange for guard Ariel Atkins. Atkins was moved after being cored by Chicago earlier this week.
“It’s thrilling to acquire one of the great young talents in this league in Jackson,” Sky general Manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a statement. “Rickea is only going to continue to ascend, and the organization is excited to witness that growth firsthand.”
The Los Angeles Sparks are signing Kelsey Plum to a one-year $999,999, ESPN reported. Plum started her career with the Las Vegas Aces before playing for the Sparks last year.
Sophie Cunningham has signed a one-year deal to play with the Fever. She joined to team last season after playing her first six seasons in Phoenix. Cunningham averaged 8.6 points before a season-ending right knee injury in August.
The Dallas Wings signed Alanna Smith to a multi-year deal. Smith was the WNBA’s co-Defensive Player of the Year last season with the Minnesota Lynx, sharing the award with A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces.
Bridget Carleton, who was selected No. 1 overall by the Portland Fire in the expansion draft, has signed a three-year max deal.
The Golden State Valkyries announced Veronica Burton has signed a multiyear deal to return. She was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player, averaging 11.9 points, 6.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds a game for the expansion Valkyries.
The Atlanta Dream have announced they’ve re-signed Rhyne Howard, who averaged 17.5 points, 4.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 steals last season.
Seven-time All-Star Skylar Diggins agreed tow a two-year deal with the the Chicago Sky, ESPN reported. Diggins started her career with the Tulsa Shock, who became the Dallas Wings, before playing with Phoenix and Seattle.
The Los Angeles Sparks have re-signed Dearica Hamby to a three-year deal for close to $3.5 million, ESPN reported. Hamby averaged 18.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.6 steals last season in LA, where she has spent the past three seasons.Erica Wheeler will also come back to the Sparks, where she played in 2021.
One of the most sought after players in free agency, Satou Sabally, will sign a multiyear deal with the New York Liberty, ESPN reported. She averaged 16.3 points and 5.9 rebounds a game last season when she helped the Phoenix Mercury the WNBA Finals.
The Liberty also re-signed Jonquel Jones, ESPN reported. She averaged 13.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks a game last season. Jones has played for three season for the Liberty after six seasons with the Connecticut Sun.
The Washington Mystics traded Jacy Sheldon to the Chicago Sky in exchange for their 2028 first-round pick, ESPN reported.
The Indiana Fever are signing Monique Billings, who spent last season with the Golden State Valkyries, the IndyStar, part of the USA Today Network, reported. Billings is the first unrestricted free agent to sign with the Fever in 2026.
The Indiana Fever will re-sign restricted free agent Lexie Hull, she announced in a TikTok video with teammate Caitlin Clark. The guard averaged 7.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists last season. Hull was drafted by Indiana No. 6 overall in 2022.
The Chicago Sky have agreed to a three-year deal to keep Azurá Stevens, ESPN reported. The 6-foot-6 averaged 12.8 points and 2.1 assists per game last season.
Brittney Griner to sign with Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun and Brittney Griner are reportedly finalizing a deal, according to CBS Sports. The Sun would mark Griner’s third team in as many seasons. The 10-time WNBA All-Star and WNBA champion spent last season in Atlanta after playing 11 seasons in Phoenix.
Chelsea Gray reportedly finalizing deal with Aces
The Las Vegas Aces are expected to bring back their big three. Veteran guard Chelsea Gray is finalizing a three-year, multi-million dollar deal to return to the Aces, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Aces plan to sign A’ja Wilson to a supermax contract and are reportedly finalizing a deal with Jackie Young to lock down the core that led Las Vegas to three WNBA championships in four years.
Elizabeth Williams to re-sign with Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky will reportedly re-sign Elizabeth Williams for $1.2 million over two years, according to ESPN. She is a two-time All-Defensive Team pick and was named the league’s most improved player in 2016.
Jessica Shepard to sign with Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings will reportedly sign Jessica Shepard, who spent the first five years of her career with the Minnesota Lynx, to a multi-year deal, according to ESPN.
StudBudz breaking up
Natisha Hiedeman, one half of the StudBudz who played with the Minnesota Lynx last season, has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with Seattle, according to several outlets. Lynx point guard Courtney Williams wished her friend well on social media, replying “🥹 Go Be Great 2 🔒💕” to an Instagram post by Hiedeman.
Arike Ogunbowale re-signing with Dallas Wings
Arike Ogunbowale is reportedly signing a million dollar multiyear deal with the Dallas Wings, according to ESPN.
The guard was given a core qualifying offer earlier this week, making her eligible for the $1.4 million supermax in 2026. ESPN reports she is taking less to give the team more money to build around her.
Atlanta Dream re-signing Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon
Guards Allisha Gray and Naz Hillmon are nearing a three-year deals to re-sign with the Atlanta Dream, according to ESPN. Brionna Jones is also re-signing as the trio will welcome Angel Reese to an already veteran roster.
Kelsey Mitchell signs supermax deal with Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever have re-signed Kelsey Mitchell a league source confirmed to IndyStar, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Indiana designated Mitchell as a core player on Monday, giving her a one-year supermax contract of $1.4 million in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights. She will be the Fever’s first $1 million player.
Jewell Loyd re-signing with Las Vegas Aces
Jewell Loyd, who won a title with the Aces last season, will return on the three-year deal, according to ESPN.
Alyssa Thomas returns to Phoenix Mercury
Alyssa Thomas fell just short of winning the first WNBA championship of her career in her first season with the Phoenix Mercury, but Thomas is ready to run it back with coach Nate Tibbetts & Co.
A person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports the 33-year-old who led the WNBA in assists last season is working on a contract to remain with the Mercury. Like many star players this offseason, Thomas had been an unrestricted free agent.
Thomas was acquired by the Mercury in a four-team trade in February 2025 following 11 seasons in Connecticut, where she led the Sun to eight consecutive playoff appearances and two WNBA Finals in 2019 and 2022. The six-time All-Star told USA TODAY Sports last year she “gave everything I had to Connecticut” and ultimately decided to depart in hopes of winning a title.
Satou Sabally landing spots
Satou Sabally is set to join her third team in as many seasons, but where will the 2023 Most Improved Player land? USA TODAY Sports rounded up the best destinations for Sabally as WNBA free agency continues:
Toronto Tempo agree to a pair of max deals
Guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes have both agreed to two-year max contracts, according to agent Marcus Crenshaw of The FAM Sports Agency and first reported by ESPN.
Atlanta Dream reportedly re-signing Brionna Jones
The Atlanta Dream are bringing back Brionna Jones, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The forward averaged 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds a game last season. Jones and the rest of the Dream could be buoyed by the arrival of Angel Reese in a trade with the Chicago Sky.
Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with LA Sparks
There was speculation that Ogwumike might join the Lynx after a Minnesota-based balloon company shared a now-deleted video that showed a “Welcome Nneka” marquee letter and a balloon arrangement on a Lynx basketball court. But Ogwumike officially deflated those rumors with another pair of letters — the iconic Hollywood sign.
Ogwumike announced her intention to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks, the franchise she brought a WNBA title to in 2016 during her 12-year stint in the City of Angels. Ogwumike made the announcement on social media Friday, captioning a video montage of her Sparks highlights, “It was always see you later, now I’ll see you soon.”
Her announcement video starts off with the Hollywood sign morphing into “Nneka x LA.”
Nneka Ogwumike says goodbye to Seattle
Nneka Ogwumike’s time in Seattle has come to an end after two seasons. Ogwumike confirmed her departure from the Seattle Storm on Thursday as 2026 WNBA Free Agency stretched into its fourth day. The 14-year veteran shared a social media post that read, “Thank You Seattle.” Ogwumike captioned the photo collage filled with memories of her time in Seattle with green and yellow hearts.
Jackie Young reportedly finalizing new deal with Las Vegas
Aces superstar A’ja Wilson said she’s staying in Las Vegas. The same can be said about Jackie Young. Young is expected to return to Las Vegas on a one-year maximum contract worth $1.19 million, ESPN reported Thursday.
Las Vegas Aces re-signs Kierstan Bell
On Thursday, the Aces announced they are re-signing defending champion Kierstan Bell. Bell averaged 4.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds per game in 35 games (16 starts) last season.
“Vegasssss!! Super excited to get back to work and compete for another championship!” Bell said in a statement. “The love doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m blessed to be a part of something so special! Let’s rock.”
Satou Sabally confirms Phoenix Mercury departure
On Wednesday, free agent forward Satou Sabally confirmed she isn’t returning to Phoenix after one year with the franchise. Sabally shared a photo gallery on Instagram with the caption “Best year yet. Thank you, Phoenix.”
Free agents with core designations or core qualifying offers
Any player who receives a core qualifying offer (or core designation) is essential to a team’s overall success and identity. Any player given a core tag would no longer be an unrestricted free agent, and the team owns the exclusive rights to that player. Per the WNBA CBA, the player will be offered a one-year supermax contract (worth $1.4 million), but different terms can be negotiated with the team. Also, if the two sides reach an impasse, they can partner to negotiate a sign-and-trade agreement.
Here are the players who were cored by their respective teams:
- Atlanta Dream: G Allisha Gray
- Chicago Sky: G Ariel Atkins
- Dallas Wings: G Arike Ogunbowale
- Indiana Kelsey: G Kelsey Mitchell
- Los Angeles Sparks: G Kelsey Plum
- Minnesota Lynx: G Napheesa Collier
- New York Liberty: G Sabrina Ionescu
- Portland Fire: F Bridget Carleton
- Seattle Storm: F/C Ezi Magbegor
- Toronto Tempo: G Marina Mabrey
Free agents with reserve or restricted offers
Reserve offer: Player with three years of service or less, who receives an offer; the team has exclusive negotiation rights.
Restricted: Player with four years of service, whose team extends an offer. The player can negotiate with other teams, but the previous team has the first right of refusal. The team can match other offers.
- Los Angeles Sparks: F Rae Burrell (Reserved)
- Las Vegas Aces: F NaLyssa Smith (Restricted)
- Washington Mystics: C Shakira Austin (Restricted)
- Connecticut Sun: F Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Restricted)
- Atlanta Dream: G Rhyne Howard (Restricted), F Naz Hillmon (Restricted)
- Golden State Valkyries: G Veronica Burton (Restricted), F Janelle Salaün (Reserved)
- Phoenix Mercury: F Natasha Mack (Reserved), G Monique Akoa Makani (Reserved)
Trade: Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese to Atlanta Dream
Background: After a tumultuous second season with Sky that included a suspension for comments Reese made about the team and her teammates, Reese said she planned to play in Chicago for a third season. “I’m under contract, so yes, I plan on returning to the Sky,” the forward said in December. Now, she moves on to Atlanta in a trade for picks.
Expected Contract: Reese is still on her rookie contract. When drafted by Chicago in 2024, the former Sky forward signed a four-year, $324,383 contract, including an average annual salary of $81,096. In 2026, Reese will earn a base salary of $350,692, while carrying a cap hit of $350,692.
Trade: Dallas trades Diamond Miller to Connecticut
On Thursday, the Dallas Wings traded forward Diamond Miller to the Connecticut Sun in exchange for center/forward Rayah Marshall.
Signing: F Breanna Stewart
Type of free agent: Unrestricted free agent
Background: Breanna Stewart made it clear there is no other place she would rather play than New York. “I will be staying in New York. I’m not planning on taking any free agency meetings, even though I am an unrestricted free agent,” Stewart said on a recent episode of her podcast.
Team player signed with: New York Liberty (unofficially)
Expected Contract: TBD
Signing: C A’ja Wilson
Type of free agent: Unrestricted free agent
Background: After winning her third championship with the Las Vegas Aces, Wilson has zero desire to move from the franchise. “I’m not leaving Vegas,” Wilson said on April 3.
Team player signed with: Las Vegas Aces (unofficially)
Expected Contract: Wilson is expected to re-sign with the team on a WNBA supermax salary of $1.4 million
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