WNBA 2026 Free Agency Moves Part 2 | April 17, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Published: Fri Apr 17, 2026, 8:00 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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It's been a wild week for the WNBA and let's get into more of it. A lot of resigning's happened, and ladies are finally getting paid. We already talked about three big moves earlier this week – Angel Reese to Atlanta, Satou Sabally to New York and Gabby Williams to Golden State.
We're going to touch on a few team that made some moves and what those teams looks like now. There were some major resigning's for the defending champs and Atlanta, Chicago looks like a completely different team and Los Angeles brought back an OG.
To start us off, the Minnesota Lynx resigned stars Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride. This has been the team's core for the past two years. Minnesota also had the number two pick in the draft and took Olivia Miles out of TCU who has massive potential.
Las Vegas looking to repeat after securing their core
Aces guard Jackie Young takes the ball up the court in a game last year.
Vegas had a hell of a run to end last season and won it all in the end. They didn't waste any time with locking down the core players on this team and getting them paid. It's going to be tough for teams to compete with them this season.
They signed MVP A'ja Wilson to a max contract, as expected. Wilson went on an historical run in the end of last season to get her team in the playoffs and win the championship. She is a generational talent and will be one of the best females to ever play the game.
The Aces went ahead and made sure to lock down Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Jewell Lloyd. Young got a one-year max, Gray got a three-year fully guaranteed deal and Lloyd also signed for three-years. These ladies aren't playing around now.
Chicago bid farewell to their star player and proceeded to rebuild
Chicago Sky newest forward Skylar Diggins in a game last year.
It was time for the Sky to day goodbye to Angel Reese who knowingly wanted out. She was traded to the Atlanta Dream for first round picks in 2027 and 2028. After they did that, they went ahead and started rebuilding.
Center Kamilla Cardoso is the last standing piece to build around. She now Skylar Diggins as her point guard, replacing Ariel Atkins. They also added Rickea Jackson from the Los Angeles Sparks and DiJonai Carrington who is a great role player.
There is actually some hope there even with the departure of Reese. It will definitely make you wonder what this team would be like if they figured out a way to get her to stay but financially may not have been possible. Either way, I like this new look Chicago team and am excited to see how they do.
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Los Angeles bring back Nneka Ogwumike in attempt to rebuild
Sparks guard Kelsey Plum gets pumped up after getting an and-1 call.
The Sparks went ahead and brought back longtime player Nneka Ogwumike. After spending her first twelve seasons with LA, Ogwumike spent two years in Seattle in a rebuild that failed. The city is going to be pumped to have her back.
Although they parted ways with Rickea Jackson, they gained Ariel Atkins in her place. Center Cameron Brink should finally get her first full season and Dearica Hamby is back as well. Could be a solid start of a core and that's not counting their leader
Can't forget the lady in the picture. Plum signed a one-year deal to return to the Sparks in the offseason. She is the backbone and clear leader of this team even after one year. Plum brings two championships in her tool belt to the table and will be more dangerous with Ogwumike on the court as well.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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