Ink on Paper: WNBA Signings Heat Up as Official Free Agency Window Opens

The “negotiation window” is over, and the ink is finally hitting the paper. As of Saturday morning, the WNBA has officially entered its signing period, and the landscape of the league has been fundamentally altered by a new CBA and the arrival of two expansion teams.

Here are the biggest moves and signings that have been finalized or reported since the window opened:

The “New Money” Supermax Signings

Under the 2026 CBA, the supermax has climbed to $1.4 million, and the league’s elite are wasting no time securing their bags.

• Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces): The Aces solidified their “Core Four” by officially re-signing Young to a one-year max deal. She joins MVP A’ja Wilson, who also confirmed her return to Vegas.
• Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever): The Fever officially locked down Mitchell on a one-year, $1.4 million supermax. This ensures that the high-scoring trio of Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark remains intact for 2026.
• Satou Sabally (New York Liberty): In the biggest “poaching” move of the weekend, Sabally is reportedly leaving Phoenix for New York on a multi-year deal. This move creates a terrifying frontcourt of Sabally, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones.

Expansion Teams Make History

The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire have officially signed their first-ever franchise players:

• Toronto Tempo: The Tempo signed Marina Mabrey (formerly Sun) and Brittney Sykes (formerly Mystics) to multi-year max deals. GM Monica Wright Rogers noted that Mabrey’s “fierce competitive nature” will be the foundation of Toronto’s identity.
• Portland Fire: The Fire officially inked Canadian star Bridget Carleton and veteran guard Karlie Samuelson. Carleton, the first overall pick in the expansion draft, is expected to be the face of the Portland franchise.

The Return of a Legend

• Nneka Ogwumike (LA Sparks): After a one-year “sabbatical” with the Seattle Storm, the 2016 MVP has officially signed to return to Los Angeles. The Sparks are reportedly pairing her with Ariel Atkins, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Chicago Sky (sending Rickea Jackson to Chicago).

Other Key Signings & Moves

• Skylar Diggins (Chicago Sky): After trading away Angel Reese and Marina Mabrey, the Sky used their newly cleared cap space to sign Diggins to a two-year deal, giving the rebuilding franchise a veteran floor general.
• Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream): The 2022 Rookie of the Year officially re-signed with Atlanta, where she will now team up with the newly acquired Angel Reese.
• Lexie Hull (Indiana Fever): The Fever continued their busy morning by re-signing restricted free agent Lexie Hull to a multi-year extension.
• Isabelle Harrison (New York Liberty): The Liberty bolstered their bench by re-signing Harrison to a veteran minimum deal.

Free Agency Snapshot: April 11, 2026

What’s Next: All eyes turn to the WNBA Draft this Monday, April 13, where the Dallas Wings hold the #1 pick. Expect more trade activity as teams look to move up or down based on their free agency gains.