WNBA training camps open on April 19, 2026, following a busy offseason with a new CBA, expansion drafts, and free agency. Notable draft picks include Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles, Awa Fam, and Lauren Betts.
Key points
WNBA training camps open on April 19, 2026
New CBA signed and expansion teams added
Top draft picks include Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles
In less than a month, the CBA was signed, sealed and delivered, expansion teams in Toronto and Portland had their drafts, free agency took place and the WNBA draft happened.
Will all the movement mean a shift at the WNBA standings this season? Can the Las Vegas Aces repeat as champions? We like their chances.
With that said, it may have been tough to keep track of all the the roster moves in a truncated period of time. USA TODAY Sports has you covered with complete training camp rosters for every team and our first power rankings of the season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Q&A
What are the key changes in the WNBA offseason for 2026?
The key changes include the signing of a new CBA, the addition of expansion teams in Toronto and Portland, and significant player movements during free agency and the draft.
Who were the top picks in the 2026 WNBA draft?
The top picks in the 2026 WNBA draft were Azzi Fudd (Dallas Wings), Olivia Miles (Minnesota Lynx), Awa Fam (Seattle Storm), and Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics).
When do the WNBA training camps start for the 2026 season?
The WNBA training camps for the 2026 season start on Sunday, April 19.
Can the Las Vegas Aces repeat as WNBA champions in 2026?
The Las Vegas Aces are considered strong contenders to repeat as champions, given their roster and performance last season.
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Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Azzi Fudd (R) of UConn hugs WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Azzi Fudd of UConn celebrates after being selected with the 1st pick in the first round by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Olivia Miles who was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Olivia Miles of TCU celebrates after being selected with the 2nd pick in the first round by the Minnesota Lynx.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Awa Fam Thiam who was selected third overall by the Seattle Storm.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Lauren Betts who was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (right) poses for photos with Gabriela Jaquez who was selected fifth overall by the Chicago Sky.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
(L-R) Azzi Fudd of UConn and Cotie McMahon of Ole Miss pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
(L-R) Angela Dugalic of UCLA, Kiki Rice of UCLA, Gianna Kneepkens of UCLA, Lauren Betts of UCLA and Gabriela Jaquez of UCLA during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
(L-R) Awa Fam Thiam of Spain and Nell Angloma of France pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
Raven Johnson of South Carolina, left, Madina Okot of Kenya, center, and TaÕNiya Latson of South Carolina pose prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
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Scenes from the 2026 WNBA Draft
2026 WNBA Draft prospects pose for a group photo before the event at The Shed at Hudson Yards in NYC on April 13, 2026.
The defending champion Aces are the team to beat. Las Vegas retained its entire starting lineup from last year's championship run and are in prime position to run it back. The franchise kept Big 3 of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who are all got seven-figure deals under the new CBA after leading the Aces to three WNBA titles in four years. The big paydays, however, won't sacrifice Las Vegas' depth. The Aces re-signed Dana Evans and Jewell Loyd, who were key contributors off the bench last season, and added defensive specialist Brianna Turner and shooter Stephanie Talbot. Catch the Aces if you can.
**Training camp contracts:**Pauline Astier, Raquel Carrera, Derin Erdoğan, Marine Fauthoux, Alexandra Fowler, Rebekah Gardner, Marine Johannès, Anneli Maley, Ugonne Onyiah, Ashley Owusu, Ny’Ceara Pryor, Han Xu
The Liberty lost one Sabally, but gained another in the offseason. After Nyara Sabally was selected by the Toronto Tempo in the expansion draft, New York landed her older sister Satou Sabally, one of the biggest names available in free agency. Satou Sabally will team up with the Liberty's trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones, who limped to the finish line last season due to injuries. Stewart, Ionescu, Jones and Sabally have a combined 19 WNBA All-Star nods. And it shouldn't take long for Sabally to gel with her new teammates, as she played with Ionescu in Oregon. It remains to be seen if the Liberty re-sign Natasha Cloud, but first-year head coach Chris DeMarco will have plenty with which to work.
3. Atlanta Dream
2025 record: 30-14 (lost in first round of 2025 playoffs)
The Dream kept their core players in free agency bringing back four starters (Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Bri Jones and Jordin Canada) and the 2025 Sixth Player of the Year (Naz Hillmon) as it pursues the franchise's first championship. The Dream had franchise-best 30 wins and No. 3 seed in the playoffs last season and hope to build on that success. The Dream did lose veteran center Brittney Griner in free agency, but acquired Angel Reese, one of the WNBA's best players (and rebounders), via trade. Adding Reese to the roster boosts Atlanta's offensive profile and adds a strong defender to the Dream's stacked roster. If Atlanta can get over the playoff hump, it has a great chance to make it to the WNBA Finals.
4. Indiana Fever
2025 record: 24-20 (lost in the semifinals of 2025 WNBA Playoffs)
Injuries were major storyline in Indiana last season. Caitlin Clark was limited to 13 games, yet the Fever were one win away from the team's first WNBA Finals appearance since 2012. That was due in large part to Kelsey Mitchell, who took a big step last season and averaged a career high 20.2 points en route to a first-team All-WNBA selection. Indiana's ceiling will again be contingent on the team's health. Clark looked close to 100% for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she walked away with MVP honors. Aliyah Boston remains a steady presence and hasn't missed a game in three seasons. The Fever re-signed Lexie Hull and Sophie Cunningham and added Monique Billings to its frontcourt. Indiana also added Ty Harris in free agency and drafted Raven Johnson for some much-needed guard depth (especially after last year).
The Sparks are in a season of change after losing three starters (Rickea Jackson, Azurá Stevens and Julie Allemand) and several bench pieces during the offseason. However, they have remained committed to winning sooner rather than later by retaining veterans Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. Los Angeles also made noteworthy moves in free agency by signing Nneka Ogwumike, who previously spent 12 seasons with the franchise, and Ariel Atkins, who came over in the Jackson trade. The Sparks might need some time to gel with the new starters and figure out what Cameron Brink's role (after she started 15 games in 2024, but none last year after returning from injury). Still, they easily have one of the WNBA's most intriguing lineups this season and could compete for a playoff spot.
6. Minnesota Lynx
2025 record: 34-10 (lost in the semifinals of 2025 WNBA Playoffs)
The Lynx took a major hit this offseason and lost key pieces − forwards Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton and Jessica Shepard − that contributed to Minnesota's franchise-best record. The injury statuses of Naphessa Collier (ankles) and Kayla McBride (eardrum) are also unknown as season approaches. Minnesota added Natasha Howard to provide some size inside for the Lynx and picked up an elite passer in Olivia Miles in the draft. Still, the Lynx's success will come down to Collier's availability after she had surgery on both ankles.
**Training camp contracts:**Jillian Alleyeneberty, Noemie Borchant, Quionche Carter, Shay Ciezki, Maggie Doogan, Kara Dunn, Yarden Garzon, Lauren Jensen, Lee Seul Kang, Kyara Linskens, Morgan Maly, Jaime Nared, Jovana Nogic, Ashten Prechtel, Aisha Sheppard, Kathryn Westbeld, Kiana Williams
The offseason was not kind to the Mercury. While Phoenix did retain several starters, including Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, it lost Satou Sabally. Phoenix spent two seasons pursuing Sabally and needed a three-team trade to complete the deal − and then had her for one season. The Mercury, who made it to the WNBA Finals last season, likely have an uphill battle getting back. The question becomes who will step up in Sabally's absence and can they make it to the postseason without her? It wouldn't be shocking to see the Mercury later attempt a midseason trade to help their chances.
Golden State set a WNBA record for the most wins by an expansion team in its inaugural season, thanks to its one-two punch from Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton. Thornton's All-Star season was cut short due to a knee injury, but she's set to return after working out with Team USA basketball in the offseason. Burton is also returning. They'll be joined by defensive specialist Gabby Williams, who personifies the Valkyries' brand of gritty basketball. Williams led the league in steals per game (2.3) and total steals (99) last season. The Valkyries traded Flau'jae Johnson (selected No. 8 overall) to the Seattle Storm for Marta Suarez (No. 16th), who led the Horned Frogs in 3-point shooting last season.
Training camp contracts: Sidney Cooks, Jordan Hobbs, Megan Nestor, Sydney Taylor
All signs pointed to a rebuild in Chicago following Angel Reese's departure via trade. However, the Sky maintain they are in "win now mode" and made a splash in free agency with moves that elevate the struggling franchise into a possible contender. Adding veteran help from Skylar Diggins, Azurá Stevens (who won a title with the Sky in 2021) and DiJonai Carrington says Chicago plans to play fast on both ends of the floor. Getting Rickea Jackson in a trade and drafting Gabriela Jaquez indicates the Sky are banking on both to be glue players. It remains to be seen if the additions will work, but Chicago at least tried to remain competitive after significant turnover.
Training camp contracts:Grace Berger, Alysha Clark, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, Amy Okonkwo, Kyla Oldacre, Shyanne Sellers, Odyssey Sims, Grace Sullivan, Li Yueru, Costanza Verona
Despite Paige Buecker's stellar Rookie of the Year campaign, the Wings finished at the bottom of the standings. After allowing the second-most opponent points per game last season, the Wings made moves to shore up the interior with the addition of Alanna Smith, the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, and Jessica Shepard. Dallas selected Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick of the WNBA draft to add depth at the guard position alongside Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale. First-year head coach Jose Fernandez's tenure is off to a good start.
**Training camp contracts:**Nyla Harris, Mya Hollingshed, Christeen Iwuala, Kamaria McDaniel, Madison Scott, Alex Wilson
**Development player:**Darianna Littlepage-Buggs
The Mystics have made it clear they are building their team through the draft. The team used six picks to have plenty of options when constructing a roster that will be viable for the future and mesh with veterans Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron and Georgia Amoore. Washington managed to get UCLA teammates Lauren Betts and Angela Dugalić, plus Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon, in the first round. The Mystics then found great value by selecting Texas guard Rori Harmon in the third. There's a high chance every draft pick won't make the final roster, but Washington has set a solid foundation moving forward.
**Training camp contracts:**Elizabeth Balogun, María Conde, Lexi Held, Laura Juškaitē, Kitija Laksa, Dara Mabrey, Nikolina Milić, Madison Rocci, Kristy Wallace
With head coach Sandy Brondello leading the charge, the Tempo will, at minimum, be competitive. Brondello brings a winning culture to Toronto and that should help a team that will be figuring it out along the way. Veterans Marina Mabrey and Brittney Sykes could be one of the top-scoring backcourt duos in the league.
13. Seattle Storm
2025 record: 23-21 (lost in first round of 2025 playoffs)
Training camp contracts: Jalyn Brown, Jaelyn Brown, Zia Cooke, Rennia Davis, Mackenzie Holmes, Elle Ladine, Beatrice Mompremier
Seattle isn't in win-now mode. The franchise signaled a full rebuild following the departures of Skylar Diggins, Gabby Williams and Nneka Ogwumike. Instead, the Storm are playing the long game with a stash of young talent, including Dominique Malonga, Awa Fam and Flau'jae Johnson. Seattle signed Stefanie Dolson and Natisha Hiedeman to provide a veteran presence.
The Sun won 11 games last season, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Connecticut plays tough defense and can score enough points to keep up with teams in most games. Finishing matchups was a major issue, and that will have to change if the Sun don't want the same result. Newcomers Brittney Griner and Kennedy Burke are the only players who have won a championship, and the team will need their leadership.
**Training camp contracts:**Chloe Bibby, Maya Caldwell, Emily Engstler, Jordan Harrison, Teja Oblak, Kamiah Smalls, Peyton Williams
Development player: Frieda Bühner
It's hard to know what Portland will develop into with so many new faces and only three players with more than five years of experience. It could be a rough first season, despite franchise player Bridget Carleton leading the group and plenty of athletes with international experience.
