2025 WNBA Offseason: Key Moves and Strategies for Eliminated Teams

Explore the crucial offseason plans for the Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Washington Mystics, and Los Angeles Sparks as they prepare for the 2026 WNBA season.

The 2025 WNBA regular season has concluded, and while eight teams are gearing up for the playoffs, the remaining five—Connecticut Sun, Chicago Sky, Dallas Wings, Washington Mystics, and Los Angeles Sparks—are focusing on their offseason strategies. This offseason is pivotal, with a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in negotiation, two expansion teams joining the league, and an unprecedented number of free agents. Here’s a detailed look at the priorities and needs for each eliminated team:

Los Angeles Sparks

2025 Record: 21-23 (9th) Free Agents: Julie Allemand (restricted), Emma Cannon (unrestricted), Dearica Hamby (unrestricted), Alissa Pili (reserved), Kelsey Plum (unrestricted), Azura Stevens (unrestricted), Julie Vanloo (reserved) 2026 Draft Capital: Own second-round pick, Seattle's second-round picks, own third-round pick. Traded their first-round pick to Seattle Season Recap: Despite a rocky start, the Sparks showed improvement under first-time WNBA coach Lynne Roberts. They remained in playoff contention until the final days of the season but ultimately missed the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. State of the Roster: Key players like Rickea Jackson and Cameron Brink are on rookie contracts, providing a foundation for the future. Top Front Office Priority: Retaining leading scorer Kelsey Plum and top rebounders Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens. Biggest Offseason Question: How much better can Cameron Brink become? Her recovery and development will be crucial for the Sparks' success.

Washington Mystics

2025 Record: 16-28 (10th) Free Agents: Shakira Austin (restricted), Alysha Clark (unrestricted), Stefanie Dolson (unrestricted), Emily Engstler (reserved), Jade Melbourne, Madison Scott (reserved), Sug Sutton (restricted) 2026 Draft Capital: Own picks in all three rounds—Seattle's first-round pick, New York's first-round pick (via swap with Connecticut), Minnesota's second-round pick Season Recap: The Mystics had a strong start but faltered after trading Brittney Sykes. They ended the season on a 10-game losing streak but have promising rookies in Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. State of the Roster: With three draft picks in the top 11, the Mystics are poised to add young talent to their core. Top Front Office Priority: Scouting the 2026 draft to find another high-end prospect. Biggest Offseason Question: How much can the Mystics expect from Georgia Amoore? Her recovery from an ACL tear will be key.

Connecticut Sun

2025 Record: 11-33 (11th) Free Agents: Lindsay Allen (unrestricted), Tina Charles (unrestricted), Bria Hartley (unrestricted), Marina Mabrey (unrestricted), Olivia Nelson-Ododa (restricted), Haley Peters (restricted), Mamignan Toure (reserved) 2026 Draft Capital: Own two first-round picks (via Phoenix and via Minnesota), one second-round, one third-round Season Recap: The Sun had a tough season but showed resilience, with a young core emerging in Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow, and Saniya Rivers. State of the Roster: The Sun have a clear core of young players but need to make strategic moves in free agency. Top Front Office Priority: Building around their young core through the draft and finding value in free agency. Biggest Offseason Question: What is the future of the franchise? Uncertainty around a possible sale could impact their ability to sign talent.

Chicago Sky

2025 Record: 10-34 (12th) Free Agents: Rebecca Allen (unrestricted), Ariel Atkins (unrestricted), Rachel Banham (unrestricted), Kia Nurse (unrestricted), Michaela Onyenwere (unrestricted), Sevgi Uzun (reserved), Courtney Vandersloot (unrestricted), Elizabeth Williams (unrestricted) 2026 Draft Capital: Own picks in all three rounds—Phoenix's first-round pick, their own second-round pick, New York's second-round pick, own third-round pick. However, Minnesota (via trade) has Chicago's original first-round pick, meaning the Lynx will have the lottery selection, not the Sky. Season Recap: The Sky struggled under new coach Tyler Marsh, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. State of the Roster: Key players like Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso remain on rookie contracts, but the team needs to make significant moves in free agency. Top Front Office Priority: Fixing the relationship with Angel Reese or determining how to part ways without alienating the fan base. Biggest Offseason Question: Is general manager Jeff Pagliocca on the hot seat? The team's recent performance raises concerns about his ability to construct a competitive roster.

Dallas Wings

2025 Record: 10-34 (13th) Free Agents: Grace Berger (reserved), Luisa Geiselsoder (reserved), Tyasha Harris (unrestricted), Myisha Hines-Allen (unrestricted), Haley Jones (reserved), Arike Ogunbowale (unrestricted), Li Yueru (reserved) 2026 Draft Capital: Own first- and third-round picks. Traded second-round pick to Seattle Season Recap: The Wings had a disappointing season under first-year head coach Chris Koclanes, finishing in the WNBA's cellar. State of the Roster: Paige Bueckers, the 2025 No. 1 draft pick, is a bright spot and is expected to be named Rookie of the Year. Top Front Office Priority: Building the team around Paige Bueckers, a franchise-changing player. Biggest Offseason Question: Is it time for the Wings and Arike Ogunbowale to part ways? Her future with the team is uncertain.

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