It's no secret that getting ready for free agency is a tall order for just about every WNBA franchise each year, but next year is going to be especially complicated for everyone — and could even see the dissolution of two (or maybe three) teams that fans have grown to love.
The Golden State Valkyries enjoyed an inaugural season that can only be described as historic from top to bottom. The team's Expansion Draft in December 2024 paved the way for a roster who proved capable of digging deep and inspiring fans and one another. The team's head coach Natalie Nakase was crowned Coach of the Year, and the Valkyries made a historic push into the playoffs — a first for an expansion team, ever.
Unfortunately, those achievements and the resources provided by the team's owner Joe Lacob could mean that Golden State is hit hard when free agency comes around. Other teams will likely aggressively court several members of the team's roster, and the Valkyries may even have their eye on pulling in new names. While it's likely the team will want to retain their top scorers Kayla Thornton and Veronica Burton, it's less clear who from the rest of the roster will stay in Ballhalla.
The Chicago Sky could see a major shakeup
The Valkyries aren't the only team who could experience huge changes — the Sky are poised to completely fall apart. The team was hit with numerous injuries this season — in addition to Courtney Vandersloot's early season ACL tear, both Angel Reese and Ariel Atkins missed several games this season due to injures of their own.
Both Vandersloot and Atkins are likely to return in 2026, but it's unclear who else from the team might. Rumors that Reese is pushing for a trade have been orbiting the team all season (and especially ramped up as the season concluded). Reese isn't a free agent, but she has sway within the league, and there are plenty of teams who would love to add her star power to their own rosters and who might know how to maximize it in a way the Sky have appeared to struggle to do.
The Dallas Wings might change it up, too
The Wings have already parted ways with coach Chris Koclanes and also made it clear they intend to build around Paige Bueckers for the foreseeable future, which leaves a few of the team's veterans in a precarious position. While it's difficult to imagine Arike Ogunbowale on any team other than the one that drafted her, the possibility isn't completely far-fetched.