Article by: Drayten Nobles, Contributing Writer

With the draft for the WNBA recently concluding, fans know that this means that the start of the WNBA season is right around the corner. This offseason has already seen several blockbuster trades, groundbreaking headlines, and league-shaking moves. 

Expansion Teams

Two new teams have been added to the WNBA. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire drafted their teams on April 3, 2026, becoming the 14th and 15th franchises in the WNBA. The Toronto Tempo became the first Canadian team to join the league. With more expansion teams expected in the future, the league is growing fast, and fans should be excited for what’s to come.

Salary Cap Increase and WNBA Draft

One of the biggest headlines from this offseason was the new collective bargaining agreement that has already significantly increased players’ salaries so far this offseason. The new deal raises the league’s salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, with supermax contracts beginning at $1.4 million. Several stars around the league have already received massive contracts. Some examples include Kelsey Mitchell of the Indiana Fever, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, and Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks.

With the new salary cap increase, even the rookies are seeing massive pay increases. Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, signed a rookie deal at around $500,000, making her the highest-paid rookie in the league’s history. Fudd joined the Dallas Wings, led by former college teammate and relationship partner Paige Bueckers. Following the Dallas Wings, the Minnesota Lynx selected Olivia Miles to pair with MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. 

The NCAA champion UCLA Bruins made history as well this season. The Bruins had five players get drafted in the first round, with three straight getting drafted from picks four to six. UCLA eventually had six players drafted, setting the record for most players drafted from one school. The reigning champs were led by star center Lauren Betts, who went fourth overall to the Washington Mystics, followed by teammate Gabriela Jaquez to the Chicago Sky, who was then followed by teammate KiKi Rice to the Toronto Tempo. Angela Dugalic was later drafted at No. 9, joining Betts on the Washington Mystics. Finally, Gianna Kneepkens was selected at No. 15, capping off the first round. 

Free Agency

Moves have been made left and right throughout free agency so far. One big move that’s happened so far was the Chicago Sky trading for All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream in exchange for two first-round picks. Reese joins Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Brionna Jones in hopes of securing a WNBA championship. 

Speaking of championships, Satou Sabally has joined the New York Liberty. The two-time All-Star joins the former 2024 champions, partnering with former MVP Breanna Stewart, dominant center Jonquel Jones, and star guard Sabrina Ionescu. Sabally served as a big reason for the Phoenix Mercury’s playoff run in the 2025 season. 

Re-signings dominated the headlines in free agency, many using the new salary cap to their advantage. Some big names who re-signed with their former teams include former first overall pick Kelsey Plum, veteran guard Jewell Lloyd, and dynamic guard Kahleah Copper. More massive contracts and extensions are expected to be given out in the coming days.

Upcoming Events and More InformationThe regular season is set to start on May 8, 2026, with many big matchups kicking off the season. Opening day includes the Phoenix Sun taking on the Liberty, Washington Mystics versus the Toronto Tempo, and the Golden State Valkyries taking on the Seattle Storm. With big things expected for the league, fans should be on the lookout for even more news in the coming weeks. For more information on free agency, visit WNBA Player Movement & Transactions | WNBA. For the WNBA draft, check out WNBA Draft 2026, and for more news on the salary cap increase, go to WNBA And WNBPA Reach Tentative Deal on Historic CBA.