The WNBA has been tense with the CBA talks and extensions both sides have been struggling to land a long term deal. With the end of the 2025 season and another extension pushing negotiations into January 2026, teams are trying to navigate an offseason filled with uncertainty. Still, every franchise has something major unfolding.

Here's a look at the updates that we need to talk about for all the WNBA teams!

Indiana Fever: Stephanie White Gets Candid

Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White didn’t sugarcoat anything on Sue Bird’s podcast. She broke down the stress of free agency, the tight timing, and how the Fever must think three to five years ahead. With Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston still on rookie deals, the core’s safe, but the decisions aren’t easy.

Meanwhile, fans are literally chilling at the Elevance Health Rink as the team hosts its ice-skating weekend with peppermint treats and holiday fun.

Chicago Sky: Building Beyond Basketball

Dallas holds the top pick again, and writer Dwayne Marcus thinks Awa Fam is the move. The Wings desperately need a franchise center, especially with Li Yueru hitting free agency. At just 19, Fam could be Paige Bueckers’ long-term co-star. But LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson is also pushing her way into the conversation.

Golden State Valkyries: After an Epic Debut

The Valkyries came out swinging in Year 1, 23 wins, a playoff trip, sellouts every night, Coach of the Year Natalie Nakase, the whole thing. Now the offseason is busy: Justė Jocytė signed with Project B, Veronica Burton grabbed 3x3 AmeriCup gold, and heads to Unrivaled after a Team USA camp. Free agency decisions are next.

Phoenix Mercury: A New Look for a New Era

The Mercury dropped their first-ever rebrand, trimming their old wordmark into a sharp “M” tilted 19.97 degrees for their founding year. It’s modern, clean, and marks a new phase after Diana Taurasi’s retirement and a Finals loss. The franchise wants being a Mercury fan to feel effortless, and they’re leaning all the way in.

New York Liberty: Taking Control of the Future

As the CBA talks drag on, two Liberty stars decided to take ownership of their careers. Leonie Fiebich and Jonquel Jones both joined Project B, helping shape a new player-driven league. And big news: Chris DeMarco is officially the Liberty’s new head coach, ushering in a brand-new era in Brooklyn.

Minnesota Lynx: The Coaching Conversation

Cheryl Reeve didn’t hold back, she said women coaches, especially Black women, deserve way more spotlight. With Noelle Quinn out in Seattle, the league may start 2026 without a single Black female head coach. On the court side, Minnesota locked in the No. 2 pick for the 2026 draft, giving them a real shot at a franchise changer.

Washington Mystics: Gold Medals & A Top Pick

Kira and Shakira Austin powered Team USA to a perfect 5–0 AmeriCup run. Austin walked away a champion, while the Mystics earned the No. 4 pick in 2026. Meanwhile, Kiki Iriafen is shining off the court too, her new deal with Skechers honors her Nigerian roots.

Atlanta Dream: Revenge in 3x3 Glory

Allisha Gray sealed Team USA’s revenge over Canada with two icy free throws, closing the door at 21–19. Gray grabbed MVP, Naz Hillmon dominated the boards, and Veronica Burton and Shakira Austin rounded out the gold-medal crew. Back home, Brittney Griner just wrapped her first season with Atlanta and continues building her personal brand, yes, baby onesies included, after welcoming her first child in 2024.

Seattle Storm: A Jersey in the Rafters, A New Era on Court

UConn honored legend Sue Bird by retiring her iconic No. 10, joining Swin Cash and Rebecca Lobo in the rafters. Meanwhile, Seattle has its own big changes: Zia Cooke returns to AU Pro Basketball, the Storm own the No. 3 pick in 2026, and new head coach Sonia Raman is officially in charge.

LA Sparks: Stacking the Future

The Sparks are leveling up, a brand-new $150 million practice facility and a refreshed staff under Head Coach Lynne Roberts. Ebony Hoffman joins the bench, and Cameron Brink and Azurá Stevens are sharpening their games in Unrivaled. With players like Kelsey Plum openly pushing revenue-sharing talks, the Sparks are standing at the center of the WNBA’s next chapter.

Las Vegas Aces: Candace Parker Gets Honest

Candace Parker opened up about her 2023 run on All The Smoke. Watching A’ja Wilson dominate while she recovered from foot surgery forced her to rethink her identity as a star. She admitted it felt strange not having the ball, but accepting a supporting role let her soak in the moment and watch Wilson rise even higher.

Connecticut Sun: Expansion Draft Chaos Incoming

The 2026 expansion draft is coming, and a mock draft already has two Sun players getting scooped up by the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. With only five protection slots per team, someone good will be exposed. The extended CBA deadline buys the league time, but tension’s still high, nothing’s settled yet.

Written by

Ishika Ghosh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu