The 28th WNBA season was electric. But is the thrill only going to get better with these free-agency players? With only 144 roster spots across 12 teams in the WNBA, the 2025 free-agency period promises to be a game-changer. Players will probably be shuffled like cards and entire rosters might undergo massive changes. In fact, a total of 63 players are entering free agency, where 36 of them will be unrestricted, which would make this a team-changing season for the twelve franchises.

Add on to the fact that the Golden State Valkyries also have to build their inaugural roster, trying to build a powerhouse from the start. The drama is only just beginning, and the outcome of this offseason could reshape the WNBA landscape for years to come. So without further ado, let’s see who are the top players on the verge of leaving their home teams.

1. Breanna Stewart (Forward; New York Liberty)

Fresh off a 2024 championship victory run with the NY Liberty, Stewart averaged 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in the regular season. Breanna was so impactful for the Liberty that she posted scores like 30 points and 11 rebounds, against, a Napheesa Collier-led Minnesota in the Finals. As she now enters unrestricted free agency (UFA), her future looms large for the Liberty. Both Stewart and teammate Courtney Vandersloot will be exposed to UFA, forcing the Liberty to make tough decisions and potentially offer better contracts to retain their core stars.

Stewart signed a one-year, $205,000 contract for the 2024 season, a strategic move to maintain flexibility. In an interview with USA Today, the 3x Olympic gold medalist spoke candidly about her future. “I am under a one-year, and I’m going to sign another one-year (in 2025) just so I can continue to have that kind of flexibility going forward,” she explained.

Although this strategy allows Stewart to keep options open, it could also mean warning bells for the Liberty as they would be at the risk of losing their superstar forward.

2. Diana Taurasi (Guard; Phoenix Mercury)

Even at 42, Diana Taurasi remains one of the most influential players in the WNBA. The consensus GOAT of the WNBA averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in the 2024 season, showing that she’s still a force to be reckoned with on the court. However, Taurasi’s future as a player remains uncertain as she is contemplating retirement after already bidding adieu to the National team career. In an interview with the Associated Press, she shared, “I know the minute I say it or announce it, whether it’s, you know, in a month or two months, I’m going to mean it. I talk to (wife) Penny (Taylor) and the Mercury, so I’m still in the thought process.”

Well, the 6x Olympic gold medalist is also considering life beyond that of a player, as she is deliberating on moving to a potentially more influential role. “I definitely love the idea of being able to have a position where obviously you influence a team… just seeing how (Mat Ishbia) has influenced this whole city,” Taurasi told ESPN. Her latest $469,872/2-year contract from 2023 expired when Phoenix was lodged out of the playoffs by the Minnesota Lynx.

Whether she stays with the Mercury or transitions into a leadership role, the Valley might need to deliberate a bit regarding her free agency.

3. Alyssa Thomas (Forward; Connecticut Sun)

Last year’s MVP runner-up and heartbeat of the Connecticut Sun, Alyssa Thomas is next on the list. The triple-double maestro averaged 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists, in the 2024 regular season. Thomas is coming off a four-year, $836,000 contract, and re-signing her will be a top priority for the Sun.

This is especially important when she has taken the onus of carrying the team on her shoulders, even if injured. Moreover, with DeWanna Bonner confirming that she will return for the next season, Thomas just might want to share the floor with her soon-to-be better half. Losing the playmaker and DiJonai Carrington might prove to be a huge blow to Connecticut’s roster depth.

4. Kelsey Mitchell (Guard; Indiana Fever)

Before there was Caitlin Clark, there was Kelsey Mitchell, a perpetual light who kept Indiana Fever’s boat afloat till the arrival of the rookie. This consistency of hers was perfectly reflected in her 19.2 points per game regular season in 2024 where she became part of the league’s most lethal backcourt after the Olympic break. As her three-year, $618,000 contract comes to an end, her future in Indiana is uncertain.

Mitchell appears to be weighing her options. While she has expressed loyalty to Indiana, she’s also clear about the need to prioritize her own career and personal life, especially since her father passed away earlier this year. “I know that when the time comes and the opportunity is ready for me to make those decisions — obviously, I’ve always had a home in Indy, so it could potentially be a home for me again. But I think right now, the switching dynamic of my family and everything, you know, I gotta do what’s best for me. I got to be selfish about that process. When I know, you’ll know,” she said, hinting that her future could hinge on the team’s direction and her own career goals.

5. Kelsey Plum (Guard; Las Vegas Aces)

This Guard for the Aces has time and again proved her value to the team. In 2024, she averaged 17.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 2.6 rebounds, solidifying her role as a key player for the Aces. However, with her two-year, $400,000 contract set to expire, Plum is poised to become a top target in the upcoming free agency pool.

Although the Aces might find themselves in a pickle if they try to keep her. WNBA legend Sue Bird noted this in her podcast and stated the cap size issues within the franchise that holds the superstar A’ja Wilson, “If you get cored right now for Kelsey Plum, it either means she’s with the Aces next year getting max money, which puts them in a squeeze.” 

In fact, the Golden State Valkyries, who are hiring former Las Vegas assistant coach Natalie Nakase, could be a team to watch out for as they might try to lure Plum away from the Aces.

6. DiJonai Carrington (Guard/Forward; Connecticut Sun)

DiJonai Carrington came to the spotlight for her defensive masterclass against the first-overall pick of the season Caitlin Clark. But certainly, she had more to her as she also ended up sweeping the Most Improved Player of the Year for the season. Another crucial player for the Connecticut Sun, Carrington is also facing free agency after impacting the team first off the bench last season and now as a starter.

Averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in the regular season, she has now become a potential core player for any team looking for one. However, with her $193,370/3-year rookie contract coming to an end, she is a restricted free agent, and her future will likely stay in Connecticut’s hands but with a better contract.

7. Chennedy Carter (Guard; Chicago Sky)

Just like Carrington, Chennedy Carter too found her way to conversation headlines through Caitlin Clark. However, one thing everyone admired about this guard was her physical style of play and ability to create fast-break points for the Sky. As Chennedy Carter’s, $76,535 contract expires, the Chicago Sky will need a significant upgrade for the impact she made for the team’s wins. Especially after her strong 2024 regular season where she posted 17.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

In fact, she is a Restricted Free Agent (RFA) as of now, according to sportrac.com.

How will the Free Agency affect the teams in the East and the West?

While those seven key players are definitely on the final end of the straw, there are more players who might be looking for a new home or a better financial exchange in another team. Here are the Western and Eastern Conference teams looking for some free agency drama this off-season.

Eastern Conference-

1. New York Liberty: Fresh off their championship run, they have their eyes set on re-signing Breanna Stewart, a key piece in their victory. However, the Liberty also faces the challenge of negotiating with veteran guard Courtney Vandersloot set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). With 2 key players hitting free agency, New York will need to juggle their salary cap to keep their championship roster intact.

2. Connecticut Sun: The semifinalists could be facing a significant roster overhaul with six players set to enter free agency, including stars Brionna Jones, Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, Tiffany Mitchell, and Astou Ndour. Balancing these negotiations could dictate the future of the team, especially as they lose depth due to the free agency.

3. Atlanta Dream: The Dream are another team with key free agents to negotiate with. Aeriel Powers, Tina Charles, and Cheyenne Parker are all entering the offseason without contracts, which leaves the team with potential holes to fill.

4. Chicago Sky: After a transitional year, the Chicago Sky will also face crucial decisions with players like Isabelle Harrison, Brianna Turner, and Diamond DeShields set to enter free agency. DeShields, a former All-Star, will likely be a priority for the Sky to bring back as they look to solidify their future after major roster changes in the past few seasons. And so will Izzy with her impactful late performances in game off the bench.

5. Indiana Fever: The Fever are in the middle of a rebuild, but they will need to make decisions on experienced veterans Erica Wheeler and Kelsey Mitchell. Mitchell, in particular, has been a cornerstone of the franchise, and retaining her will be key as they continue to develop their young talent. While Wheeler has already hinted at wanting to spend more time with her family, we just might miss this Caitlin Clark’s ‘older sister’ in the locker room.

6. Washington Mystics: With already having fired their GM Mike Thibault and Coach Eric Thibault, the Mystics are looking for major franchise-wide changes. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and rookie Julie Vanloo would be free agents from the roster.

Western Conference-

1. The Las Vegas Aces:  The Aces find themselves in a precarious position as 4 of their players, including Kelsey Plum, are due for free agency. Along with the Olympic champion, veterans like Alysha Clark, Sydney Colson, and Tiffany Hayes are also free agents, with Hayes potentially considering a second retirement. Managing these contracts, while preserving their championship core, will require some difficult decisions.

2. The Seattle Storm: The Storm, on the other hand, face a major reshuffle with six players declared as UFAs in 2025, including Nneka Ogwumike, Mercedes Russell, Sami Whitcomb, Gabby Williams, Victoria Vivians, and Joyner Holmes. The Storm will be looking to rebuild as they navigate this critical offseason, potentially seeing significant roster changes depending on the outcomes of these negotiations.

3. Dallas Wings: The Dallas Wings have decisions to make on key contributors like Natasha Howard and Satou Sabally. Sabally has emerged as a star in the league, and keeping her in Dallas will be crucial for the Wings’ long-term success alongside Arike Ogunbowale. Howard, with her veteran experience, adds depth and leadership, making her another priority.

4. Los Angeles Sparks: The Sparks will be looking at free agency with Kia Nurse as their most prominent player set to hit the market. While Nurse has been a solid contributor, the Sparks may be looking to rebuild after a couple of disappointing seasons and could explore different directions with Layshia Clarendon already having announced her retirement.

5. Minnesota Lynx: The Lynx are set to face decisions on Myisha Hines-Allen and Natisha Hiedeman. Hines-Allen’s versatility and strong presence on the court will make her a priority, while Hiedeman provides defensive capabilities to the reigning finalists.

6. Phoenix Mercury: The Mercury are also in for a significant offseason with two of their biggest stars, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, heading into free agency. While Taurasi may contemplate retirement, Griner’s decision will shape the future of the Mercury. Monique Billings is another key player who could be on the move if Phoenix can’t come to terms with her.

With so many elite players entering free agency, the WNBA is set for a seismic shift in 2025. Teams will fight to retain their stars while others will be eager to capitalize on the open market, making this one of the most exciting offseasons in WNBA history.