While some teams dove into the WNBA free agency market, others invested in existing star power for 2026, keeping franchise players at home with plenty of incentives.
After making guard Jackie Young the league’s first million-dollar signing, Las Vegas secured deals for both Chelsea Gray and Jewell Loyd, needing only 2025 MVP A’ja Wilson to complete its championship core.
"Chelsea is a pure example of a true champion," Aces president and GM Nikki Fargas said in a team statement. "She sets the standard for what it means to compete and win at the highest level, and we cannot wait to see the Point Gawd back in an Aces uniform."
"The Las Vegas Aces are special. And I couldn't imagine chasing history anywhere else. I'm grateful to be able to continue building on this legacy for the fans and this amazing city," said Gray, after earning her first WNBA title with LA in 2016 before adding three more with the Aces.
Phoenix Avoids Losing 2026 Headliners to WNBA Free Agency
2025 WNBA finalist Phoenix also took care of business, hanging onto key talent after losing forward Satou Sabally to New York in free agency.
Forward fiancés Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner and guards Kahleah Copper and Sami Whitcomb all re-signed with the Mercury, emboldening Phoenix as it hunts another deep postseason run.
The Indiana Fever is also looking to run it back, re-signing guards Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, and Lexie Hull to compliment rostered stars Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
WNBA free agency is firing on all cylinders, as teams look to quickly pad their 2026 rosters with big-name stars and rising prospects alike.
Chicago has been one of the offseason’s most aggressive dealers, sending young centerpiece Angel Reese to Atlanta before signing vets Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Azurá Stevens and trading for 2024 draftees Rickea Jackson and Jacy Sheldon.
"Diggins is the kind of player who elevates everyone around her," Chicago Sky head coach Tyler Marsh said in a team statement.
"Skylar is a true veteran leader, and she possesses unmatched speed and shot creation potential. I can't wait to work with her."
Diggins grew up in South Bend, Indiana — just a few hours from Chicago — and subsequently attended Notre Dame, leading the women's basketball team to two NCAA finals.
Big Names Find New Teams as 2026 WNBA Free Agency Heats Up
As the new CBA ushers in the league’s first million-dollar contracts, both players and teams are taking advantage of a breakneck free agency market.
All-Star guard Gabby Williams joined Golden State, forward Nneka Ogwumike is returning to LA, and 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith is Dallas-bound alongside ex-Lynx teammate Jessica Shepard.
Texas-born center Brittney Griner is also on the move, signing with Connecticut as the Sun prepares to relocate to Houston in 2027.
Saturday's USWNT vs Japan matchup ended in a 2-1 victory, as veterans Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps stepped up to take the first of three April friendlies between the women's soccer titans.
Lavelle struck in the ninth minute for her 28th career goal in her 100th USWNT start. Lavelle became the 31st player to reach the milestone, passing Shannon Boxx and Joy Fawcett to claim No. 24 on the all-time US scoring list.
Heaps doubled the lead early in the second half. With Rose Lavelle providing the assist, Heaps became the 16th USWNT player to register 40 career goals.
Japan answered in the 61st minute. Substitute Riko Ueki redirected a header past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Despite appearing marginally offside on replays, the strike marked the first goal the USWNT conceded in 2026.
"Twelve months ago, we might have drawn this game," said US manager Emma Hayes postgame. "The progress is in staying in the game and not conceding a second goal."
Hayes deployed veteran midfield trio Lavelle, Heaps, and Coffey, while giving forward Sophia Wilson her first national team start since the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wilson returned after giving birth to her daughter in August 2025, becoming the 18th mother to play for the USWNT.
"I'm proud of her," Hayes said of the striker. "It takes a bit of time to find that rhythm, and I think she gave it everything she could."
Wilson drew the eighth-minute foul that led to Lavelle's opening goal. She later combined with Heaps for a dangerous chance in the 21st minute, before exiting the match in the 67th minute.
Dickey finished the game with five saves. She made a close-range stop on a corner kick in the 79th minute, before collecting a looping header on the final play to preserve the victory.
How to Watch the Next USWNT vs Japan Friendly
The USWNT faces Japan again on Tuesday at 10 PM ET at Seattle's Lumen Field, live on TNT.
The USWNT returns to action Saturday against world No. 5 Japan, launching a three-friendly series against the Nadeshiko with several familiar faces rejoining the roster.
The No. 2 ranked United States last faced Japan at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, where the Nadeshiko stunned a young USWNT side 2-1 to claim the tournament title. Japan enters the series fresh off winning the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, defeating host Australia 1-0 in the final.
"For us, patience is the biggest part," said forward Trinity Rodman ahead of Saturday's rematch. "Finding the areas to exploit in the final third… just being smart in those moments that we can take advantage."
The match could reunite two-thirds of Triple Espresso as Sophia Wilson joins Rodman on the USWNT roster for the first time since the team's gold medal 2024 Paris Olympics campaign. The frontline duo previously combined for crucial goals during the Olympic run, including Rodman's extra-time winner against Japan in the quarterfinals.
Defender Tierna Davidson also makes her national team return after recovering from last year's ACL injury, providing additional depth to the backline as the team begins World Cup qualifying preparations.
"They're champions of Asia. They're easily one of the best teams in the world," USWNT manager Emma Hayes said of Japan. "I think this is one of the favorites to win the World Cup. So, what a great test for us."
Japan is competing under interim coach Michihisa Kano after parting ways with manager Nils Nielsen last week. The Nadeshiko compiled a 6-0 record at the Women's Asian Cup, outscoring opponents 29-1.
How to Watch the USWNT vs Japan Friendlies
The USWNT kicks off against Japan on Saturday at 5:30 PM ET in San Jose, live on TNT.
The series continues in Seattle on April 14th before culminating in Colorado's April 17th finale.
WNBA free agency reaches a fever pitch this weekend as veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike announced her return to the Los Angeles Sparks after one season with the Seattle Storm.
The 14-year veteran and 2016 MVP revealed her decision Friday morning after posting a social media goodbye to Seattle earlier this week. Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds for the playoff-bound Storm in 2025.
Ogwumike now returns to the franchise where she built a Hall of Fame resume, according to SBNation. The move potentially reunites her with sister Chiney Ogwumike, while pairing the 10-time All-Star alongside Kelsey Plum and Cameron Brink.
Forward Satou Sabally also bid farewell to Phoenix this week, calling her single season with the Mercury her "best year yet." The departure leaves another major piece available as WNBA free agency negotiations enter the final hours.
Rumors Dominate the 2026 WNBA Free Agency News Cycle
Multiple WNBA trades loom before Monday's signing window officially opens. Reports connect veteran guard Skylar Diggins to Chicago after the Sky sent Angel Reese to Atlanta. Additional rumors link LA forward Rickea Jackson to Chicago in exchange for Ariel Atkins.
Dallas gained cap flexibility following a trade sending forward Diamond Miller to Connecticut for second-year center Rayah Marshall. The Wings are expected to remain active throughout the weekend.
New York is reportedly showing interest in 2025 co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith — despite extending core qualifying offers to stars Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.
The flurry of activity precedes Monday's 2026 WNBA Draft at 7 PM ET on ESPN, where 15 invited prospects including five UCLA champions await their professional destinations.
Teams are stepping up under the new CBA, as the Aces crowned Jackie Young the WNBA’s first $1 million signing in an effort to keep the guard in Las Vegas.
"Breaking: The Las Vegas Aces are finalizing an agreement for Jackie Young to return to Vegas, sources told ESPN. Expected to be a one-year deal at the regular max ($1.19 million)," ESPN reporter Alexa Philippou posted to X on Thursday. "One step closer toward the Aces retaining their Big Three."
Young is the first player in league history to sign a contract worth over $1 million, with the one-year deal reaching the $1.19 million standard maximum. Per ESPN, the unrestricted free agent chose not to take meetings with other teams, remaining focused on the 2025 WNBA champions.
Las Vegas retained Young without tapping into its core mechanism, an option that provides teams an exclusive negotiating window to either re-sign — or sign and trade — top talent.
The core designation — similar to the franchise tag in other leagues — gives teams control over a top player's free agency. It also comes with a one-year supermax framework under the WNBA CBA.
The Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell, New York’s Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, LA’s Kelsey Plum, Dallas’s Arike Ogubowale, and others have already been cored by their respective teams.
The Sky cored veteran Ariel Atkins, though Front Office Sports reported Chicago might trade Atkins to LA in exchange for third-year forward Rickea Jackson.
The league's free agency period officially began on Monday, with teams issuing qualifying offers and core designations before the official signing window opens on Saturday.
ESPN reported Tuesday that its 2026 Women's March Madness coverage delivered the second-highest viewership in network history, continuing the NCAA tournament's upward ratings trajectory.
Sunday's championship game between UCLA and South Carolina averaged 9.9 million viewers and peaked at 10.7 million, becoming ESPN's third-most watched women's final on record.
Both Women's March Madness Final Four matchups drew strong viewership numbers. South Carolina's 62-48 semifinal victory over previously undefeated UConn averaged 5.4 million viewers, while UCLA's win over Texas registered 5 million in the nightcap.
The 2026 tournament's ESPN viewership ranked second behind 2024's record-breaking run despite a repeat field, with 21 games averaging over 1 million viewers each. However, Iowa alum Caitlin Clark's 2023 and 2024 Final Four appearances continue to hold the top ESPN viewership spots.
“We are thrilled with the continued momentum we have seen across women’s basketball this season," said ESPN Senior Director of Programming and Acquisitions Dan Margulis.
"We delivered our strongest regular-season performance in 17 years, the second-best NCAA Tournament overall and continued to grow excitement around the game. That success reflects the dedication of the student-athletes on the court, as well as the commitment of ESPN, the conferences, and the NCAA to grow the game of women’s basketball."
The strong numbers arrive as women's college basketball continues expanding its mainstream audience. The tournament aired across ESPN networks linear and digital, including in primetime on ABC.
UCLA's title marked coach Cori Close's first NCAA title after 15 seasons with the program.
How to Watch 2027 Women's March Madness on ESPN
The women's NCAA tournament returns to ESPN next spring, with Selection Sunday scheduled for mid-March, 2027.
Women’s sports is raking it in, as Deloitte’s 2026 Game Changers report predicts global women's sports revenue to exceed $3 billion in 2026.
This year’s projected intake far outpaces 2025’s $2.4 billion, charting at an estimated 340% increase over the last four years.
“Women’s sports are entering a new phase — one defined by scale, structure, and sustained investment,” said Deloitte US Sports CCO Alicia Hatch.
“Rising valuations and expanding revenue streams are consistent with a maturing market where leagues, sponsors, and media partners are building for long-term success.”
Soccer and basketball remain the key women's sports revenue drivers, bringing in 35% of total revenue behind by newer ventures like Unrivaled 3×3 Basketball.
North American leagues drove the numbers in 2025, making up 53% of total earnings, followed by Europe’s 16% — with commercial revenue providing the largest boost.
International events additionally reported significant gains. The UK's 2025 Rugby World Cup drew its second-largest final crowd on record, while the 2025 Cricket World Cup notched a women's cricket high of 300,000 attendees.
“Women’s sports are thriving and defined by real, transformative growth and a rapidly expanding global fan base,” said Deloitte US Chair Lara Abrash.
“The conversation has moved beyond proving value to intentionally building a lasting, world-class foundation for the future.”
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley and UConn coach Geno Auriemma put their heated Final Four confrontation behind them Tuesday, as both NCAA coaches released statements calling for the women's basketball community to move forward.
"I spoke with Geno, and I want to be clear — I have a great deal of respect for him and what he's meant to this game," Staley wrote. "One moment doesn't define a career, and it doesn't change the impact he's had on growing women's basketball."
Auriemma echoed the sentiment in his second formal apology, acknowledging he "lost" himself during Friday's semifinal.
"This morning, Dawn Staley and I spoke," Auriemma wrote. "I apologized to Dawn, her staff and her team. I've lost more games in the Final Four than any coach in history. But Friday I lost something more important. I lost myself."
The conflict erupted in the final seconds of South Carolina's 62-48 victory over previously undefeated UConn. Auriemma approached Staley for a postgame handshake before angrily confronting her. The exchange escalated until officials and staff stepped in.
After criticizing the referees during the broadcast, Auriemma initially showed no regret in his postgame news conference. He later released his first apology the following day.
Dawn Staley vs. Geno Auriemma Final Four Rivalry Returns Next Season
The South Carolina-UConn rivalry resumes on November 24th, when the programs meet at the Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Showcase at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena.
"Coach Auriemma and Coach Staley have not only built championship programs but have also helped elevate women's basketball to new heights," said Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame CEO and President John L. Doleva.
"Having two Hall of Famers leading their teams in this marquee matchup perfectly represents our mission to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of basketball."
The women's basketball carousel keeps spinning, as LSU searches for new talent after 1,000+ players entered the NCAA transfer portal.
The Tigers lost three guards this week. Freshman Bella Hines joined Divine Bourrage and Kailyn Gilbert in the portal on Tuesday. Hines averaged 13 minutes per game during LSU's 2025/26 campaign, while averaging 4.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
But coach Kim Mulkey’s program did see a boost, as 6-foot-5 No. 3 high school recruit Caroline Bradley committed to LSU. The Louisiana native plans to join the Tigers for the 2027/28 season.
"First and foremost, I want to win. But I also want to be developed and challenged over the course of the next four years," Bradley told ESPN.
"Coach Mulkey and the staff have worked to build a great relationship with me and my family... I can't wait to be a part of a family that runs deeper than basketball."
NCAA Transfer Portal Rattles Women's College Basketball
With a free range of movement and money to be made, the NCAA transfer portal can impact blue chip programs both positively and negatively as rosters become increasingly stacked.
Back-to-back Final Four participant Texas is also feeling the spin, as 2025 recruit Aaliyah Crump departed Austin after averaging 7.9 points per game across 24 appearances. Forwards Aaliyah Moore and Justice Carlton followed suit.
Big-name programs also stand to benefit from the talent pool, with key prospects like Iowa State center Audi Crooks and Virginia guard Kymora Johnson shopping for new teams.