What's Going On With The WNBA
Another big-ticket free agent is off the board, as Chiney Ogwumike got to break the news that her sister will be heading back to the Los Angeles Sparks. Nneka Ogwumike, a 14-year WNBA veteran, left the Sparks two seasons ago to sign with the Seattle Storm.
On Thursday night, she announced via social media that she would not be returning to the Storm, and Friday morning, the news came out that she intends to return to the Sparks.
Shortly after this story published, the Sparks (+1500) were moved into having the sixth-best WNBA title odds on FanDuel, and weâll see if more moves like this can further improve their chances.
After 12 seasons and one championship, Ogwumikeâs departure was part of a changeover for the Sparks as they fell out of the playoff picture. Theyâve spent the past few seasons rebuilding, and last season were able to bring Kelsey Plum in from the Las Vegas Aces. Bringing a player like Nneka back brings more veteran presence into the pair with Plum, while boosting their young frontcourt star, Cameron Brink.
This move also means both Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby might be on the move as well, and if a rumored trade to send Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins goes through over the weekend, the Sparksâ lineup will look much different this season.
Overall, the move is great by the Sparks â Ogwumike is still one of the best frontcourt presences in the WNBA. In 2025, she averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds for a playoff Storm team. Sheâs a 10x All-Star, and just played a huge part in getting the CBA negotiations done. Pairing her with Plum and Brink will elevate the team, and hopefully attract more free agents to the Sparks as well.
Iâm not sure if this is a championship-contending roster yet, but the Sparks have set themselves up well for the season ahead.
FILE â Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) plays against the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of a WNBA basketball first-round playoff game Sept. 24, 2024, in Las Vegas....Nneka Ogwumike is coming back to Los Angeles.
The former WNBA MVP announced on Friday sheâs re-signing with the Sparks after spending the last two seasons with the Storm.
Ogwumike revealed her intentions with a social media highlight video that showed the Hollywood sign transforming into a âNneka x LAâ one, before a bunch of her Sparks highlights played.
It was always see you later, now Iâll see you soon⊠pic.twitter.com/Da2xCDv4ux
â Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 10, 2026âIt was always see you later,â she wrote in a caption on the footage, ânow Iâll see you soonâŠâ
In a neat twist, Ogwumikeâs sister, Chiney, actually broke the news.
âBREAKING: 10x WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks,â Chiney wrote on her X page. âShe previously played 12 seasons in LA and âis looking forward to returning home.'â
Nneka Ogwumike played the last two seasons in Seattle after spending the first portion of her storied WNBA career in Los Angeles. APOgwumike, a Stanford alum, was taken by the Sparks with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, and she immediately became a star in LA.
She averaged 14 points and 7.5 rebounds per game and won Rookie of the Year honors.
She went on to make eight All-Star teams, earn one MVP award and win one championship during her time in a Sparks jersey.
She then signed with Seattle in 2024 and made two more All-Star teams there.
The 35-year-old will now join a star-studded LA roster that already featured Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink and Kelsey Plum.
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WNBA free agency tracker 2026: Live updates on breaking news, signings and trades originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Armed with a new CBA -- forged by weeks of negotiating and years of labor organizing -- the WNBA is set to be filled with fireworks when free agency kicks off in earnest on April 9.
Sides were already locked in negotiations with restricted, reserved or core-eligible players. Signings won't filter in for good until April 12.
Free agency often is an action-packed affair. In 2025, Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum and Jewell Loyd landed in different spots, as did the rights to Storm standout Dominique Malonga. One year on, movers and shakers have already made their presence felt. Angel Reese's trade to the Dream proved the kindling to a spring like no other in recent WNBA history. With more than 100 players set to hit the open market during the offseason, expect free agency -- and all the moves surrounding it -- to be a blazing inferno.
With that, The Sporting News is tracking live updates on all things WNBA free agency. Follow below for an updated list of players to land new contracts in 2026.
MORE: Live grades, analysis of WNBA free agency
WNBA free agency news, updates on signings and tradesJewell Lloyd finalizing deal with AcesDate: April 10
Source: Andraya Carter
Six-time All-Star Jewell Lloyd is returning to Las Vegas on a three-year deal, per Carter.
Naz Hillmon re-signing with DreamDate: April 10
Source: Kendra Andrews
Naz Hillmon, the WNBA's reigning Sixth Player of the Year, has landed a new three-year deal with Atlanta, per Andrews.
Arike Ogunbowale signing 'seven-figure' deal with WingsDate: April 10
Source: Alexa Philippou
Star guard Arike Ogunbowale is returning to the wings on a "seven-figure, multi-year deal," per Philippou.
While Ogunbowale was eligible for the $1.4M supermax, she is reportedly taking less than that for Dallas "to be able to build a quality roster."
Allisha Gray re-signs with the DreamDate: April 10
Source: Sean Hurd
Allisha Gray is returning to the Dream on a three-year deal that will be worth "max-plus" money, per Hurd.
Natisha Hiedemen 'expected' to sign with StormDate: April 10
Source: Khristina Williams
Williams reports that Seattle is expected to sign guard Natisha Hiedeman. The 29-year-old averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 assists per game for the Lynx last season.
Alyssa Thomas returning to MercuryDate: April 10
Source: Sean Hurd
Phoenix is bringing back Alyssa Thomas, per Hurd, finalizing a deal with the forward who averaged around 15 points per game last season.
Tempo agree to deals with Marina Mabrey, Brittney SykesDate: April 10
Source: Alexa Philippou
Toronto has agreed to terms with guards Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes, per Philippou. Both agreed to two-year max contracts, making them the first known million dollar backcourt duo.
Dallas re-signing Awak KuierDate: April 10
Source: Khristina Williams
Per Williams, 2021 second-overall pick Awak Kuier is re-signing with the Wings, having last appeared in the WNBA in 2023. In 2025, Kuier competed in the Turkish Women's Basketball Super League.
Sky 'exploring' sign-and-trade with Ariel Atkins, Rickea JacksonDate: April 10
Source: Khristina Williams
Per Williams, Chicago is "exploring" sign-and-trade framework involving Ariel Atkins, with Rickea Jackson set to come from Sparks as part of the potential deal.
Nneka Ogwumike to sign with SparksDate: April 10
Source: Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike is heading back to Los Angeles, she announced in a social media post captioned, "It was always see you later, now Iâll see you soon."
After two seasons in Seattle, the star forward is returning to her longtime Sparks team. In her first stint with the franchise, she became an eight-time WNBA All-Star, an MVP and won a championship in 2016.
Las Vegas stays busy, re-signs Jackie YoungDate: April 9
Source: Alexa Phillippou
The Aces stayed busy on Thursday and are finalizing a deal to re-sign Young. It is reportedly a one-year deal worth the regular max which is $1.19 million after the new CBA. The veteran guard has spent the entirety of her seven-year career with Las Vegas. Last year, Young started all 44 games and averaged 16.5 points with 5.1 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game.
Aces announce re-signing of Kiersten BellDate: April 9
Source: Team X account
The Aces are re-signing Kiersten Bell. She has spent all four years of her career in Las Vegas. Last season, Bell played in 35 games and averaged 4.2 points with 1.8 rebounds in 12.2 minutes per game.
Damaris Dantas to re-sign with FeverDate: April 9
Source: Roberta Rodrigues, Forbes
The Fever are slated to bring back Damaris Dantas, who has spent each of the past two seasons in Indiana. Dantas, 33, averaged 4.6 points and 2.4 rebounds in 38 games in 2025.
Sky, Sparks engaged in talks over Ariel Atkins-Rickea Jackson swapDate: April 9
Source: Annie Costabile, Front Office Sports
The Sky and Sparks are working on a trade that would see Ariel Atkins sent to Los Angeles in exchange for 2024 No. 4 pick Rickea Jackson. The trade hasn't been agreed yet. But an announcement is expected to be made in the next few days.
Atkins averaged 13.1 points, 3.6 assists and 3.4 rebounds in 24 games with Chicago last year. Jackson, meanwhile, averaged 14.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 38 games in Los Angeles.
Liberty interested in Defensive Player of the Year Team center Alanna SmithDate: April 9
Source: Madeline Kenney, New York Post
The Liberty are rumored to be interested in Lynx center Alanna Smith, per Kenney. Smith was the league's reigning co-Defensive Player of the Year (alongside A'ja Wilson).
MORE: Latest 2026 WNBA mock draft
Li Yueru, Grace Berger to return to Wings on qualifying offersDate: April 8
Source: Meghan L. Hall, USA Today
Dallas will bring back rotation pieces Li Yueru and Grace Berger, per Hall. Yueru averaged 20.0 minutes, 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds in 22 games for the Wings after joining the Wings via trade. Berger, meanwhile, is a former first-round pick who averaged 22.3 minutes per game with Dallas last year.
Nneka Ogwumike to sign with Minnesota?Date: April 8
Source: Alexa Philippou, ESPN
Source: Former WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike is slated to test the waters in free agency after seeing her contract with the Storm expire. A local balloon company looked to have broke news that Ogwumike was signing with Minnesota. However, the image appears to show the Lynx's pitch to Ogwumike. It is not confirmation of Ogwumike's signing, however.
Satou Sabally not expected to re-sign with Mercury, per reportDate: April 7
Source: Annie Costabile, Front Office Sports
For the third time in three seasons, Satou Sabally will be on a new roster. Per Costabile, Sabally is not expected to re-sign with the Mercury, the team she landed on via trade last offseason. Sabally immediately becomes one of the most coveted players on the market, with Costabile reporting that the three-time All-Star and one-time All-WNBA first teamer is expected to have a host of meetings in the coming few days.
Core designations filter inDate: April 7
Source: Underdog WNBA
Ahead of the formal start of free agency negotiations, a slew of players have picked up Core qualifying offers. This is the WNBA's answer to the NFL's franchise tag, giving teams exclusive rights to negotiate with a player on their roster who would enter free agency otherwise. In return, the player lands a one-year deal at the supermax salary (last year, $249,244; this year, $1.4 million). Teams can still iron out long-term agreements with the player in question. The Core designation also serves as a way for teams to protect their assets, helping ensure a team gets something in return for its best player.
Here's a look at the players who have been offered Core qualifying deals by their respective organizations:
Kelsey Mitchell (Fever)Ariel Atkins (Sky)Sabrina Ionescu (Liberty)Allisha Gray (Dream)Arike Ogunbowale (Wings)Ezi Magbegor (Storm)Napheesa Collier (Lynx)Kelsey Plum (Sparks)Marina Mabrey (Tempo)Bridget Carleton (Fire)Dream acquire Angel Reese in trade with SkyDate: April 6
Source: Taylor Rooks, Amazon Prime
The Sky dipped further into their rebuild on April 6, dealing two-time All-Star Angel Reese to the Dream in exchange for a 2027 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick and 2028 second-round pick swap.
MORE: Angel Reese trade grades
The move spells the end of Reese's two-year stint in the Windy City. She emerged as the league's preeminent rebounder during her time in Chicago colors. She'll look to offer similar exploits in Atlanta, where she'll join Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Bri Jones.
| Team | Receiving |
| Dream | F Angel Reese |
| Sky | 2027 first round pick, 2028 first round pick, 2028 second round pick swap |
Date: April 5
Source: Jackie Powell, The XI Sports
New York is slated to bring back star big Jonquel Jones, according to Powell. The Bahamian-born talent is one of the WNBA's finest players, having captured MVP honors during 2021 and Final MVP honors during the Liberty's title run in 2024. A five-time All-WNBA selection, Jones is one of multiple New York standouts that was slated to hit the open market, although the likelihood remains that Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu will stay in Liberty colors for the long-run.
Fire, Tempo complete expansion draftDate:
Source: Portland Fire, Toronto Tempo
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo forged the building blocks to their rosters over the weekend via expansion draft. The Fire selected Bridget Carleton with the first pick, while the Tempo went with Marina Mabrey. Here's a full look at their rosters following the conclusion of their draft:
Portland Fire roster:
| Previous Team | Player | Pos. |
| Lynx | Bridget Carleton | F |
| Valkyries | Carla Leite | G |
| Wings | Luisa Geiselsoder | C |
| Mystics | Emily Engstler | F |
| Dream | Maya Caldwell | G |
| Fever | Chloe Bibby | F |
| Wings | Haley Jones | G |
| Dream (rights) | Nyadiew Puoch | F |
| Sparks | Sarah Ashlee Barker | G |
| Mystics | Sug Sutton | G |
| Storm | Nika Muhl | G |
Toronto Tempo roster:
| Previous Team | Player | Pos. |
| Sparks | Julie Allemand | G |
| Liberty | Nyara Sabally | C |
| Sun | Marina Mabrey | G |
| Aces | Aaliyah Nye | G |
| Mercury | Lexi Held | G |
| Valkyries (rights) | Maria Conde | F |
| Lynx | Maria Kliundikova | F |
| Liberty (rights) | Adja Kane | F |
| Sun (rights) | Nikolina Milic | F |
| Mercury | Kitija Laksa | G |
| Fever (rights) | Kristy Wallace | G |
MORE: WNBA Expansion Draft grades 2026
Aces set to offer A'ja Wilson supermaxDate: March 18
Source: Callie Fin, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Days after the WNBA and its player union announced that it had reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, the Aces are already making plans to lock up four-time MVP A'ja Wilson.
MORE: WNBA supermax contract, explained
Wilson, like many of the league's player population, is slated to his the open market in free agency. It seems unlikely she'll leave, however, with Las Vegas slated to make her the sport's highest-paid player.
Nneka Ogwumike appears to be heading back to where it all started. The 10-time All-Star and former league MVP is expected to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks after spending the first 12 seasons of her career in Los Angeles.
For Ogwumike, it sounds like this move is about more than basketball, with reports saying she is excited about the chance to return home and rejoin the franchise where she became one of the biggest stars in team history.
Chiney Ogwumike reported the move on X saying, "BREAKING: 10x WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks.
She previously played 12 seasons in LA and âis looking forward to returning home.â
BREAKING: 10x WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks.
She previously played 12 seasons in LA and âis looking forward to returning home.â
Nneka Ogwumike looks ready to finish her career where she made her name. After a brief stint with the Seattle Storm, the longtime star is expected to make her way back to the Los Angeles Sparks, the franchise she spent more than a decade leading.
Even in her mid-30s, Ogwumike is still producing at a high level. She remained one of Seattleâs top players last season and showed she can still impact games in a big way on both ends of the floor.
Her return would be a major moment for the Sparks because few players are more closely tied to the franchise. She was the face of the team for years, won an MVP award there, brought home a championship, and became one of the most accomplished players in league history.
Beyond basketball, Ogwumike has also become one of the most influential voices in the sport. She has spent years helping lead the playersâ union and has taken on a major role in shaping the future of the WNBA away from the court as well.
A Veteran Returns to the Los Angeles SparksNneka Ogwumike shut down any lingering rumors about her future by making it clear that Los Angeles is where she wants to be. There had been some buzz that she could end up elsewhere, especially after some social media hints seemed to connect her with the Minnesota Lynx, but she quickly put that to rest with a video teasing her return to LA.
The move gives the Los Angeles Sparks another experienced star to pair with players like Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink as the team tries to climb back into contention.
Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) shoots against Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24). Candice Ward-Imagn ImagesEven after 14 seasons, Ogwumike is still one of the most productive players in the league. She remains among the WNBAâs all-time leaders in points and rebounds, and she is still collecting All-Star selections deep into her career.
This offseason has also been huge for her away from basketball. In her role with the playersâ union, she helped push through a new labor agreement that will increase salaries, improve benefits, and give players a bigger share of the leagueâs growth moving forward.
Related: Lexie Hull Responds to Criticism After Career Move
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
After two seasons with the Seattle Storm, 10-time WNBA All-Star Nneka Ogwumike is reportedly returning to the Los Angeles Sparks in free agency.
Sep 9, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike (3) shoots the ball against the Golden State Valkyries during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn ImagesOgwumike spent the first 12 seasons of her career with the Sparks and won a championship with Los Angeles in 2016.
âIt was always see you later, now Iâll see you soonâŠ,â Ogwumike wrote in a social media post that included a video announcing her return to Los Angeles.
Ogwumikeâs sister, Chiney Ogwumike, who also played in the WNBA and earned two All-Star selections in 2014 and 2018, reported that Nneka said she is âlooking forward to returning home.â
Ogwumike signed with the Storm in 2024 and immediately helped improve the franchise. Seattle posted a 11-29 record in 2023, but then with the addition of Ogwumike, the Storm improved its record to 25-15 in 2024 and 23-21 in 2025.
Ogwumike led the Storm to back-to-back playoff appearances in both seasons she spent with the team. She averaged 18.3 points, seven rebounds and 2.3 assists while starting in all 44 games she played in last season.
In addition to the Sparks, the Minnesota Lynx reportedly had interest in signing Ogwumike, according to ESPNâs Alexa Philippou and Ramona Shelburne.
Ogwumike is a Sparks Franchise IconOgwumikeâs journey with the Sparks started when Los Angeles drafted the 6-foot-2 forward out of Stanford with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft.
She went on to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2012. Then, she helped lead the Sparks to its first WNBA championship since 2002 in 2016, which was the same season she won the 2016 WNBA Most Valuable Player Award.
Oct 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Magic Johnson hugs Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) after the game against the Minnesota Lynx in game five of the WNBA Finals. at Target Center. The Los Angeles Sparks beat the Minnesota Lynx 77-76. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY SportsOgwumikeâs return to Los Angeles will hopefully help the Sparks get back to the playoffs next season.
Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Nneka Ogwumike is moving on from the Seattle Storm after two seasons, signing a new deal to join the Los Angeles Sparks in free agency, according to her sister, ESPNâs Chiney Ogwumike. Nneka confirmed the news on social media.
Ogwumike returns to the Sparks, where she spent the first 12 seasons of her career before heading to Seattle. Ogwumike won a championship with Los Angeles in 2016 and earned eight All-Star nods in her time there.
BREAKING: 10x WNBA All-Star and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike intends to re-sign with the Los Angeles Sparks.
She previously played 12 seasons in LA and âis looking forward to returning home.â
Ogwumike made her intention to leave the Storm clear Thursday afternoon, posting a âThank you Seattleâ message on social media.
đđ«¶đŸđ pic.twitter.com/gIRYM9d6qK
â Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 10, 2026On Friday morning, she posted a video on social media captioned, âIt was always see you later, now Iâll see you soon...â
It was always see you later, now Iâll see you soon⊠pic.twitter.com/Da2xCDv4ux
â Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 10, 2026Ogwumikeâs departure was somewhat expected after Noelle Quinn was fired as Seattleâs head coach following the teamâs first-round playoff exit. Quinn, who had been Seattleâs head coach for five seasons before being let go, has since joined Unrivaled as the head coach of the Breeze Basketball Club. The Storm hired Sonia Raman as Quinnâs replacement in October.
Ogwumike finished the 2025 season averaging 18.3 points, 7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game for the Storm as a starting forward. The 35-year-old also served as the WNBA Playersâ Association (WNBPA) president as the league negotiated its historic collective bargaining agreement this offseason.
Seattle has a number of other notable free agents this offseason, including Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams, Ezi Magbegor and Brittney Sykes. Magbegor has already been offered a core qualifying offer, while Williams and Sykes are more up in the air. Like Ogwumike, Diggins is expected to leave the team.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - APRIL 05: Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins and Maryam Dauda #30 of the South Carolina Gamecocks battle for position during the first quarter in the National Championship of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images The 2026 WNBA Draft is almost here, and thatâs always reason enough for excitement. The fact that itâs taking place in the middle of an unprecedented offseason makes things even more chaotic.
Fresh off the signing of a historic collective bargaining agreement, the WNBA is essentially speed running its offseason in order to begin the 2026 regular season on time. One week after the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo expansion draft, free agency has opened, and unlike a typical offseason in which the annual WNBA Draft happens long after things have cooled down, the 2026 Draft will be held next Monday â just a few days into the accelerated free agency period, and likely well before many key free agents have made their decisions.
Needless to say, thereâs going to be a lot going on at once, and with teams around the WNBA juggling free agency and the draft at the same time, itâs going to be even tougher than usual to predict where each of the draftees will be headed. Nevertheless, this is a crucial moment for the WNBA to build upon the momentum itâs enjoying, and with two new teams and an unusually ambiguous situation near the top of the draft board, itâs better to embrace the chaos than to shy away from it.
So, in following an SB Nation tradition, hereâs our 2026 WNBA Mock Draft, with projections for all three rounds and 45 players.
1. Dallas Wings: Awa Fam, C (Spain)Fam is widely regarded as the top international prospect in this yearâs draft class, and though sheâs just 19 years old, she already has plenty of experience playing for the Spanish national team and in higher-level FIBA competitions. An excellent pick-and-roll player and a strong passer for her position, Famâs game is tailor-made for WNBA offenses, and slotting her next to a future MVP candidate in Paige Bueckers would give the Wings one of the highest-upside guard/center duos in the league. To be clear, thereâs not much that Dallas doesnât need at the moment, but if the Wings are thinking about how to best complement their young star, it will be hard for them to pass on a talent like Fam.
2. Minnesota Lynx: Olivia Miles, G (TCU)The Lynx are in the enviable position of adding a top-two pick to what should be a championship-caliber roster, so there are plenty of directions they can go in here. Miles would improve Minnesotaâs backcourt depth significantly and give the team its point guard of the future, and judging from the emphasis the Lynx have placed on ball movement and assisted shot rate in recent seasons, they should be excited by that idea. Miles is the best playmaker in the class; she excels at getting into the paint, pushing the ball in transition and creating shots for others, and sheâd thrive in a Lynx culture that already values finding open teammates.
3. Seattle Storm: Azzi Fudd, G (UConn)You wonât find a better jumpshooter in the class than Fudd. She averaged a career-best 17.3 points per game as a graduate student, shooting 44.7 percent on 6.7 3-point attempts per game, and her rock-solid mechanics made her one of the countryâs most prolific off-screen scorers. While Fudd isnât the type of guard who will consistently create shots off the dribble, her off-ball gravity and instincts will be tremendously useful wherever sheâs drafted, and thatâs something the Storm should be strongly considering.
4. Washington Mystics: Lauren Betts, C (UCLA)Betts reminded everyone just how dominant she can be during UCLAâs championship run, averaging 21 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game and shooting 68.8 percent from the floor in NCAA Tournament play. While thereâs no blindingly obvious fit for Betts early in the draft, 6-foot-7 centers who can move their feet, make consistent reads and score efficiently donât grow on trees, and it would be surprising if the All-American fell out of lottery range due to teamsâ positional needs. The Mystics showed last season that theyâre comfortable accumulating young talent, and if Betts falls to them at No. 4, itâs feasible that theyâll take her there and figure the rest out later.
5. Chicago Sky: Kiki Rice, G (UCLA)The Sky once again find themselves in a rebuild after trading franchise cornerstone Angel Reese to Atlanta, and without having much in the way of future assets, this is a pick they simply need to get right. Rice was one of the countryâs more productive lead guards as a senior, averaging 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 49 percent from the field and over 90 percent on free throws, and with her size and skill she should be able to play at either guard position in the WNBA. She was also frequently hailed by UCLAâs coaches as the programâs culture-setter, which should appeal to a Sky team in desperate need of a dependable building block.
6. Toronto Tempo: Raven Johnson, G (South Carolina)Not many players in this class have raised their draft stock as much as Johnson, who bet on herself by returning to college for another season and has been reaping the rewards. The SEC Defensive Player of the Year can guard at an elite level anywhere on the perimeter and isnât afraid to mix it up against taller players, either. On offense, Johnson has become a dependable (albeit low-volume) 3-point shooter, and sheâs unflappable with the ball in her hands, most recently posting an assist/turnover ratio of 3.16. Her on-court leadership and ability to set the tone on defense would make her a fine choice for Torontoâs first-ever draft pick.
7. Portland Fire: Flauâjae Johnson, G (LSU)Johnson became one of college basketballâs biggest stars almost immediately, and though her production tapered off as a senior, sheâs clearly still a first-round talent. One of the few guards in the class who can truly push the envelope on both ends of the floor, Johnson is a lithe, explosive scorer with a smooth pull-up jumpshot, and she makes plays on defense that most other guards simply arenât physically capable of making. As an expansion team, it would make sense for Portland to make a bet on her upside.
8. Golden State Valkyries: Gabriela Jaquez, G/F (UCLA)Jaquez made a name for herself as one of the nationâs best âglueâ players, and while that might seem like faint praise, she showed just how valuable a wing with such a malleable skillset can be. Jaquez posted elite shooting splits as a senior (62.2 percent on 2-pointers, 39 percent on 3-pointers and 86 percent on free throws), and her nose for the basketball makes her a constant threat on the offensive boards. Sheâd fit on any WNBA team, so donât expect her to fall much further than this.
9. Washington Mystics: Gianna Kneepkens, G (UCLA)No WNBA team made or attempted fewer 3-pointers than the Mystics did last season, so theyâll probably be trying to modernize their shot profile through the draft. Kneepkens is an outstanding shooter, having made at least 42 percent of her threes in each season dating back to 2022. Kneepkensâ release is a bit unorthodox and she may have a hard time staying in front of quicker guards on defense, but sheâs a good enough passer and cutter to contribute in areas beyond only shooting.
10. Indiana Fever: TaâNiya Latson, G (South Carolina)Indiana spent much of last season trying to make up for injuries to its backcourt, and while that was a somewhat extreme example of how a lack of depth can affect a team, the Fever should probably be looking to shore up their guard rotation anyway. They could certainly do much worse than Latson, who is among the most talented scorers in the country. A three-time All-ACC First-Teamer and former Division I scoring champ, Latson transferred to South Carolina from Florida State to compete for a championship and become a better all-around player, and under Dawn Staleyâs tutelage she increased her field goal percentage (48.6 percent) while significantly cutting down on her turnovers. Latsonâs strength will always be her scoring, though; she can get into the paint and draw fouls at will, and while sheâs probably not going to be as prolific of a scorer in the WNBA as she was at Florida State, her shot creation will be invaluable.
11. Washington Mystics: Nell Angloma, F (France)Angloma has made a lot of noise playing for Montpellier in EuroCup Women and the Ligue FĂ©minine, and though she slowed down a bit in the second half of the French season, at 19 years old her best days are still ahead of her. Anglomaâs pure strength and relentlessness attacking the hoop make her a major threat in transition, and despite her age, sheâll be able to handle the WNBAâs physicality right away. Even if she canât make it this summer, sheâs plenty worthy of being drafted and stashed in the first round, which the Mystics would have no problem doing with one of their three first-round picks.
12. Connecticut Sun: Iyana MartĂn, G (Spain)The Sun were one of the worst teams in the league last season and arenât in a very favorable draft position, so they might need to think outside the box here. MartĂn is only 20 years old, but sheâs already a featured player for Spanish club Perfumerias Avenida, and she was impressive for the Spanish national team in the recent FIBA World Cup qualifiers. Connecticut doesnât have much going on at guard right now, so MartĂn would fill a need right away, and seeing as how the Sun are in the middle of a rebuild, they could afford to be a little more patient with her than other WNBA teams.
13. Atlanta Dream: Marta Suarez, F (TCU)We all know that Dream head coach Karl Smesko wants his team to shoot a lot of threes, and judging from how Naz Hillmon transformed her game to fit that system last year, it wouldnât be surprising at all to see Atlanta draft another stretch big. Suarez bombed away from long range in her graduate season, shooting 37 percent on six 3-point attempts per game, and sheâd get plenty of open looks playing alongside Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese. She can also pass the ball better than most at her position, and while sheâs been turnover-prone throughout her collegiate career, thatâs hopefully something that can be mitigated in a pro system.
14. Seattle Storm: Cotie McMahon, F (Ole Miss)When McMahon transferred from Ohio State to Ole Miss for her senior season, she instantly became one of the SECâs highest-profile players, and she was as good as advertised for the Rebels, averaging a career-best 19.1 points per game to go along with 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists. McMahon is known for her bull-in-a-china-shop style of play, and while Ole Miss head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin gave McMahon more reps as a passer than she ever had previously, her ability to slash and draw contact remained her greatest strength, yielding 6.6 free throw attempts per game.
15. Connecticut Sun: Madina Okot, C (South Carolina)South Carolina would have loved to keep Okot for another season, but the appeal they submitted was recently denied, so the 6-foot-6 center will be headed to the WNBA instead. Okotâs physical gifts are obvious, and even though sheâs only been playing basketball for a few years, finishing her collegiate career for a Gamecocks program that regularly churns out WNBA talent could only have done her good; she averaged 12.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, and even showed glimpses of a 3-point shot. The Sun are still firmly in the phase of acquiring as much young talent as possible and seeing what sticks, so they can afford to take a swing on Okot at the end of the first round.
16. Seattle Storm: Tonie Morgan, G (Kentucky)Morganâs decision to transfer from Georgia Tech to Kentucky for her senior season turned out to be a beneficial one, as she ranked second in the country in assists per game (7.9) for a Wildcats team that made the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen. An athletic downhill attacker, Morgan excels in the drive-and-kick game, and while her 3-point shot is still a bit shaky, she has the physical tools to be an above-average defender in a more aggressive scheme. Sheâd be a solid addition to the Storm, especially if they lose Skylar Diggins-Smith in free agency.
17. Portland Fire: Janiah Barker, F (Tennessee)As a mobile, 6-foot-4 forward who can dribble, shoot from the midrange and move well laterally, Barkerâs ceiling has never been in question, but she never truly put it all together at any of her three programs (Texas A&M, UCLA and Tennessee). Still, Barker is too talented to fall much further than this, and though she has possibly the widest range of outcomes of any player in this class, if a team like Portland has patience and invests in her development, she could significantly outplay her draft position.
18. Connecticut Sun: Lani White, G (Utah)White was a bit of a late bloomer, having only been a full-time starter in her junior and senior seasons, but she finished her collegiate career strong, averaging 15.9 points per game and shooting 40.4 percent from long range. Factor in her size on the perimeter (6-foot-0) and thereâs a lot to like about Whiteâs chances in the pros, especially on a team that could use a reliable 3-point shooter.
19. Washington Mystics: Frieda BĂŒhner, F (Germany)BĂŒhner has been playing for the German senior national team since 2024, and she most recently averaged 19 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in EuroCup Women for Spanish club Movistar Estudiantes. BĂŒhnerâs lack of size in the frontcourt (6-foot-1) will likely limit her positional versatility, but sheâs a highly efficient scorer, and she shoots the 3-pointer well enough (40.7 percent in EuroCup play) to be drafted as a stretch big early in the second round.
20. Los Angeles Sparks: Teonni Key, C (Kentucky)The Sparks had size last season, but it didnât translate to good team defense, so donât be surprised if they try to shore that up through this yearâs draft. At 6-foot-5, Key is more of a traditional center, and though she had to share the paint with All-SEC forward Clara Strack, Kentucky made it work, ranking second in Division I in block rate (16.3 percent) as a team. Keyâs experience anchoring that kind of defensive infrastructure would make her a welcome addition to the Sparks, especially if theyâre looking for a more physical big to play alongside Cameron Brink.
21. Chicago Sky: Kara Dunn, G (USC)Dunn has averaged better than 15 points per game in each of her last three seasons (two at Georgia Tech and one at USC) and has been efficient in doing so, most recently shooting 57.3 percent on 2-pointers and 37.8 percent on threes. The Sky could stand to improve their shot profile for 2026, and a big part of that will be adding wing players who are willing to shoot the ball; Dunn, an All-Big Ten Second-Teamer, is someone who could bring more of a scoring punch.
22. Toronto Tempo: Charlisse Leger-Walker, G (UCLA)Leger-Walker may have been the least-heralded player in UCLAâs stacked starting lineup, but the former Washington State standout provided a crucial, steady-handed backcourt presence next to Kiki Rice, averaging a team-high 5.6 assists per game and keeping the Bruinsâ offense moving. Granted, her role was much smaller than it had been in past seasons, when she stuffed the stat sheet on a daily basis. Leger-Walker will surely get drafted by a team in need of guard depth such as Toronto, though she may need to prove that sheâs still capable of being more than a game manager in training camp.
23. Golden State Valkyries: Shay Ciezki, G (Indiana)Ciezki finished her collegiate career with a bang, nearly doubling her scoring effort from last season at 22.8 points per game and knocking down 2.5 3-pointers per game at a 44.6 percent clip. There will inevitably be questions about how effectively the 5-foot-7 Ciezki will be able to get her shot off at the pro level, but with range that extends well beyond the arc, she could find a role as a gunner off of Golden Stateâs bench.
24. Los Angeles Sparks: Angela DugaliÄ, F (UCLA)DugaliÄ may have sacrificed her spot in UCLAâs starting lineup in her final season, but she was still a key contributor to the Bruinsâ championship run, providing efficient scoring and defensive versatility at power forward. Itâs fair to wonder if DugaliÄâs graduate season wasnât just a one-off (her 58.8 percent 2-point shooting percentage was by far a career-best), but at a mobile and skilled 6-foot-4, sheâs going to be coveted regardless.
25. Indiana Fever: Nyla Harris, F (North Carolina)The heart and soul of a Tar Heels team that made the NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen, Harris is an exceptionally hard worker whose numbers (11.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game) often undersold her overall impact. Even so, she averaged 3.1 offensive rebounds per game and shot 60.2 percent on 2-pointers, and sheâs the type of big who can make an instant impact if sheâs paired with a good pick-and-roll guard.
26. Toronto Tempo: Latasha Lattimore, F (Ole Miss)In terms of pure athletic potential, Lattimore is one of the most intriguing prospects in the class. A rangy 6-foot-4, Lattimore gets off the floor quickly and blocks shots with ease, and though she was often used on the perimeter during her stint at Ole Miss, she showed the ability to attack closeouts off the dribble as well. Lattimore doesnât currently have an ideal position on either end of the court, but she still has a path to WNBA success, should she land with the right player development coach.
27. Phoenix Mercury: Maggie Doogan, F (Richmond)Doogan is the classic example of an immensely productive mid-major player who doesnât get the same kind of shine as her power conference peers. She led Richmond to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments and won Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors twice, most recently averaging 21.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game as a senior. Doogan obviously wonât be asked to carry a team like that as a pro, but the fact that she shot 59.2 on 2-pointers and 40.4 percent on 3-pointers while commanding that much defensive attention bodes well for how sheâll fit alongside WNBA talent.
28. Atlanta Dream: Sydney Shaw, G (West Virginia)Another shooter for the Dream. West Virginia has been known for its press defense and the tenacity of its guards, and while Shaw proved to be more than capable in playing in such a system, most of her value came via her 3-point shooting. Shaw got up 6.4 threes per game as a senior, making 42.4 percent of them, which was crucial for a team whose other players preferred to get into the paint and get to the free throw line.
29. Las Vegas Aces: Rori Harmon, G (Texas)Small point guards who donât shoot many 3-pointers generally donât have long shelf lives in the WNBA, but if any such player can buck that trend, itâs Harmon. One of the peskiest point-of-attack defenders in the country, Harmon was named to four All-Defense Teams during her time at Texas (two in the Big 12 and two in the SEC), and the 3.78 assist/turnover ratio she posted this season ranked No. 3 in Division I.
30. Washington Mystics: Jessica Timmons, G (Alabama)A change of scenery was all Timmons needed to prove that she was one of the countryâs deadliest scorers. After struggling to get consistent playing time at NC State, she was much more successful at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide in scoring (16.3 points per game) and earning All-SEC honors. While Timmons didnât contribute nearly as much peripherally, her quickness with the ball and ability to knock down shots off the dribble will be what WNBA teams value.
31. Dallas Wings: Kyla Oldacre, C (Texas)No one embodies Texas toughness quite like Oladacre. The 6-foot-6 center is nearly impossible to keep off the boards, and the physicality she plays with ensures that she draws plenty of fouls. Sheâs not going to play heavy minutes no matter where she gets drafted, but sheâll be productive in her time on the court; according to Her Hoop Stats, Oldacre posted an offensive rebounding rate of 15.5 percent, a block rate of 6.0 percent and a free throw rate of 26.7 percent as a senior.
32. Chicago Sky: Cassandre Prosper, F (Notre Dame)If the Sky are still looking for help at forward in the third round, Prosper would be a good choice. The ACCâs Most Improved Player, Prosper stepped into a consistent starting role for the first time as a senior, and she posted career-highs in scoring (13.6 points), rebounding (6.5 rebounds) and defensive stats (1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks). She also moves her feet better than most power forwards and brings a good amount of versatility in defending the pick and roll as a result.
33. Connecticut Sun: Laila Phelia, G/F (Syracuse)Though an eye injury derailed Pheliaâs once-promising collegiate career, she was able to regain some momentum after transferring to Syracuse for her senior season, averaging 13.7 points and two steals per game and earning All-ACC Second Team honors. Phelia isnât the most efficient scorer, but as a large perimeter defender who can knock down the 3-pointer at a decent clip, sheâll have some appeal as a complementary player later in the draft.
34. Washington Mystics: Jalyn Brown, G (Michigan State)Brown had to sacrifice her high-usage role when she transferred from Arizona State to Michigan State, but she turned in the most efficient scoring season of her career, shooting 56.6 on 2-pointers and 41.3 on threes. At 6-foot-1, Brown brings plenty of size to the perimeter, so if her jump in scoring efficiency is for real, she offers decent two-way potential for a team looking to add to its wing depth.
35. Los Angeles Sparks: Jordan Harrison, G (West Virginia)What Harrison lacks in size (5-foot-6) she makes up for in relentlessness, especially defensively. An All-Big 12 First Team and All-Defense Team selection, Harrison was the head of the snake for a havoc-inducing Mountaineers team, averaging 5.2 assists and 3.2 steals per game. It may be difficult for Harrison to stick on a team that already has several options at point guard, but sheâs absolutely the kind of player who can unseat an established veteran if theyâre too complacent in training camp.
36. Toronto Tempo: Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, F (Baylor)Itâs easy to look at Littlepage-Buggs and imagine swiss-army-knife potential, especially as a defensive player. Sheâs mobile, long-limbed, and aggressive on the glass, and her ability to rebound and push the ball herself added a unique dimension to Baylorâs offense. Whatâs not as clear is how Littlepage-Buggs will contribute to a WNBA team in the halfcourt; her physical gifts may be enough to sneak her onto the right roster, but everything else is still mostly theoretical.
37. Portland Fire: Christeen Iwuala, F (Ole Miss)Iwuala broke out as a senior, averaging a career-best 12.5 points and 8.3 rebounds (3.4 offensive) per game while shooting 60.1 percent from the field, and that was on an Ole Miss team that didnât exactly put a premium on floor spacing. Iwuala may not have the height to play center at the WNBA level, but there arenât many harder workers on the offensive glass, and she could really do some damage alongside pro-level guard play.
38. Golden State Valkyries: Mya Perry, G (Cincinnatti)The Bearcatsâ leading scorer at 17.8 points per game, Perry is open the second she walks into the gym, with a quick release and the ability to can deep 3-pointers coming off screens. Perryâs peripheral statistics were nothing to write home about, both at Cincinnati and her prior school, Florida Atlantic, but her talents as a shooter are not in question, and she might be able to find a home in the WNBA as more of a specialist than a go-to scorer.
39. Seattle Storm: Ashlon Jackson, G (Duke)Jackson has a knack for hitting big shots, and she cemented herself as a Duke legend when her game-winning jumper lifted the Blue Devils past LSU in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. This might be a case of the lore exceeding the production â Jackson wasnât exactly the pinnacle of efficiency as a senior, shooting 40 percent on 2-pointers and 30.7 percent on 3-pointers â but her shot quality could improve greatly playing alongside WNBA talent, and this late in the draft, teams will want to bet on her basketball pedigree.
40. Indiana Fever: Serah Williams, F (UConn)Williams transferred to UConn after three seasons as Wisconsinâs featured player, and though her counting stats took a major hit, she posted career-highs in scoring efficiency (58.8 field goal percentage) and block rate (9.8 percent). Williams can definitely score, as evidenced by her time with the Badgers (17.4 points per game as a sophomore and 19.2 as a junior), but itâs more likely she makes a WNBA roster because of her defense.
41. New York Liberty: Grace VanSlooten, F (Michigan State)VanSlooten showed considerable improvement after transferring from Oregon to Michigan State, averaging at least 15 points per game and shooting better than 50 percent from the field in two seasons as a Spartan. Sheâs not a great free throw shooter and lacks range on her jumpshot â two factors that are going to limit her draft appeal as a combo forward â but sheâs a hard worker on the offensive glass and showed that she can compete in an uptempo defensive system, so sheâll have more than enough going for her as she competes for a roster spot.
42. Phoenix Mercury: Indya Nivar, G (North Carolina)Nivar certainly has the physical tools to be a WNBA guard â at least on defense, where her quickness and top-notch instincts make her one of the countryâs most prolific ball hawks (2.7 steals per game). Her poor free throw shooting and finishing at the rim are red flags, however, so until those get resolved, sheâll have to lean on her hustle and defense to earn herself a spot on a training camp roster.
43. Atlanta Dream: Yarden Garzon, G (Maryland)Garzonâs stock took a hit after an underwhelming senior season at Maryland, but her size on the perimeter (6-foot-3) and ability to launch 3-pointers from well beyond the arc should still be enough to get her drafted. As she showed earlier in her collegiate career at Indiana, Garzon is perfectly capable of shooting above 40 percent on threes on high volume; the question will be whether she can hang well enough athletically to take advantage of that skill.
44. Las Vegas Aces: Laura Ziegler, F (Louisville)Ziegler finished her collegiate career at Louisville after three strong seasons at Saint Josephâs, and while that meant she was no longer her teamâs go-to player, she still made the All-ACC First Team after averaging 11 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Ziegler isnât much of a defensive playmaker at power forward, but sheâs an above-average passer for her position and can knock down the 3-pointer at a decent clip, making her an intriguing later-round option for a team looking to add some offensive skill to their frontcourt.
45. Minnesota Lynx: Raegan Beers, C (Oklahoma)A two-time All-SEC First Team honoree, Beers made a name for herself as one of the countryâs most efficient low-post scorers, and on the surface her numbers are impressive: In each of the past three seasons, she averaged better than 15 points and nine rebounds per game, and shot well above 60 percent from the field. Sheâs strictly a drop coverage defender, however, and thatâs not going to change in the WNBA; Beersâ offensive ability should still get her drafted, but sheâll have to land on a team in major need of frontcourt depth in order to stick.
Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike | Daniel Kucin Jr.-Imagn ImagesNneka Ogwumike was one of the most veteran free agents available in the WNBA this offseason. Her 14 years of experience, including a championship, an MVP award and 10 All-Star nods, made her a hot commodity. She is one of the best leaders in the league, not only because of her wealth of experience, but also because she's spent the last 10 years as the President of the WNBPA - playing a massive role in the newest CBA negotiations. The addition of Ogwumike to any team would be like striking gold.
Ogwumike was drafted No. 1 overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2012. She spent the first 12 seasons of her career in LA before signing with the Seattle Storm as a free agent in 2024. After two seasons in Seattle, she will return to the Los Angeles Sparks. Chiney Ogwumike, a two-time WNBA All-Star, ESPN broadcaster and Nneka Ogwumike's sister, confirmed Ogwumike will sign with the Los Angeles Sparks for the 2026 season.
Rumors of Ogwumike switching teams began to swirl this week when a Minnesota-based balloon company accidentally leaked her visit to the Minnesota Lynx facility. The post showed a video of blue and green balloons surrounding large letters reading "Welcome Nneka." Obviously, the internet ran with this and concluded that it must have meant she was signing with the Lynx. Ogwumike even poked fun at the situation on her own social media. But now, I guess we know it really was just a visit to Minnesota.
It was always see you later, now I'll see you soon... pic.twitter.com/Da2xCDv4ux
- Nneka Ogwumike (@nnekaogwumike) April 10, 2026Nneka Ogwumike makes the Sparks a dark horse contenderDespite being in the league for 14 seasons, Ogwumike has not slowed down at all. We can expect nothing less in year 15 - and that should scare the rest of the league. Any time a player returns to the city that drafted them, where they've had success and where fans absolutely adore them, it is almost guaranteed that the player will show out.
Across her career, Ogwumike averages 16.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Arguably, her best personal season in Los Angeles, besides 2016 when she won the championship and MVP, was 2023 - her final year as a Spark before the Seattle move. In 2023, Ogwumike finished the season averaging 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
The history of Ogwumike and the Sparks is so rich. Only Lisa Leslie has played more minutes and scored more points in a Sparks jersey. Ogwumike leads the franchise in total steals and is third in total rebounds, with only Leslie and Candace Parker above her.
Last season, the Sparks finished with a 21-23 record and missed the playoffs. In 12 seasons wearing a Sparks jersey, Ogwumike only missed the playoffs in three of those seasons. She knows what it takes to win, and for a Sparks team that was seemingly in a "rebuilding" phase, her return couldn't come at a better time. She adds life back to this team.
Who will be leaving Los Angeles has become a topic of conversation now with Ogwumike's return. I suspect more than one big will sign somewhere else. Right now, it's reported that Azura Stevens might not return. I also think Dearica Hamby might explore other options. Rickea Jackson has also been at the center of some trade rumors. Right now, I suspect the Sparks will be leaning into a Cameron Brink and Nneka Ogwumike frontcourt. With a shooter like Kelsey Plum on the court as well, this Ogwumike return may have just pushed the Sparks into a real winning spot.
More WNBA news and analysis:Gabriela Jaquez WNBA Draft projection: UCLA's title could push her into first roundWNBA Expansion Draft: Did Portland or Toronto draft the better team?WNBA Mock Draft after the second weekend of March MadnessWNBA Expansion Draft trades prove Sky front office doesn't know what it's doingThis article was originally published on www.fansided.com as Nneka Ogwumike's return to the Sparks should scare the rest of the WNBA.