WNBA free agency: Mitchell, Collier, Young among top 2027 free agents - USA Today

The Golden State Valkyries have celebrated their first WNBA championship, complete with a massive parade down the streets of San Francisco, and now it's time to think about the offseason.

Teams are likely already looking at roster needs and how to fit desired players under the salary cap. They have plenty of time to plan, as WNBA free agency doesn't begin with qualifying offers until Jan. 30. The negotiation window then opens Feb. 4 and players can start signing deals on Feb. 16.

The biggest free agents on the board are Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell and Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young. All have played only for the team that initially selected them in the draft.

Young has played eight seasons with the Aces since being picked No. 1 overall in 2019. Collier was the No. 6 pick in the same draft out of UConn. Mitchell, who just had the best season of her career by averaging 24.7 points per game, was selected No. 1 overall in 2018 out of Ohio State. A 2026 first-team All-WNBA pick, she was candid about taking a hard look at the market this offseason.

“I’ve never been in another uniform; I’ve never had to talk, even discuss, another organization, so it’s a lot to hash out,” Mitchell said during Fever exit interviews. “I just think I got to be selfish about where my career is going a little bit in terms of some of the things, as I get older, what’s important for me. Whether it be winning, whether it be my own individual success, I worked my tail off to be here, though. So, whatever I do, it’s going to come from a selfish standpoint. I’ll be honest about that.”

Other notable free agents include Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft, Sophie Cunningham, who was the Fever's top bench scorer, and Sydney Taylor, who made the WNBA All-Rookie team after going undrafted and playing for the Chicago Sky.

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. Our editorial recommendations are made independently of that compensation.