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2026 WNBA Free Agency: Major Roster Changes Ahead

4/13/2026

26 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

WNBA Roster Revolution

The 2026 WNBA free agency will transform the league, with A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart under a collective bargaining agreement allowing over 100 free agents.
New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury are preparing roster changes for May 8, 2026.
The expansion draft is set for April 6, 2026, with free agency beginning April 9 and Dallas Wings holding the No. 1 pick in the April 13 draft.
This schedule signals 2026 roster moves.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's first collective bargaining agreement in 1976 marked a pivotal shift in labor relations within professional sports, enabling players to negotiate improved contracts and resulting in a 50% increase in average salaries. This evolution in player rights is echoed today in the WNBA, where free agency dynamics involving stars like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart continue to reshape league structures and team strategies.

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WNBA Roster Revolution

The 2026 WNBA free agency will transform the league, with A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart under a collective bargaining agreement allowing over 100 free agents.
New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury are preparing roster changes for May 8, 2026.
The expansion draft is set for April 6, 2026, with free agency beginning April 9 and Dallas Wings holding the No. 1 pick in the April 13 draft.
This schedule signals 2026 roster moves.

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