WNBA roster cuts 2026: Tracking the most notable releases by team, from Hailey Van Lith to Marta Suarez

What does it mean to be waived?

Every WNBA team is required to cut down the size of its roster by the start of the regular season on May 8. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams are allowed an increased minimum roster size of 12 players, compared to the traditional 11 players, plus two more roster spots for developmental players, and salary cap exceptions for injured or pregnant players.

In order to follow these requirements, teams must cut players from their rosters, which means sending players to the league's waiver system.

Once a player is waived, the team removes her from the roster and places her on the waiver wire. In the ensuing 48 hours, other teams can claim a player's contract. If multiple teams submit a claim, then the league will award the contract to the team with the highest waiver priority. This is similar to what the NFL does.

If one of the 15 WNBA teams does not claim a player off waivers, she gains the "cleared" status and moves on to become an unrestricted free agent. After that, she can negotiate with a new team and sign a new contract there.

WNBA roster cut updates

Monday, May 4

12:28 p.m. - Despite beginning to improve during her career, the Chicago Sky has announced the team is waiving Hailey Van Lith. According to Kendra Andrews, Chicago's decision was based on the team's “style of play preference.” Van Lith is in active conversation with several different teams.

Sunday, May 3

6:07 p.m. - The Golden State Valkyries announced their rounds of waives, one of those being No. 16 overall pick Marta Suarez. The team originally drafted Flau’jae Johnson with the No. 8 pick, but traded her on draft night to move down and select Suarez. The former 2025 NCAA champion should receive some attention from other teams.

WNBA players waived before 2026 season, by team

Here's a full list of the players waived ahead of the 2026 regular season.

This section will be updated.

Atlanta Dream

• Bella Fontleroy
• Laila Phelia
• Sacha Washington
• Paige Robinson

Chicago Sky

• Hailey Van Lith
• Latasha Lattimore
• Tonie Morgan
• Jordan Hobbs
• Megan Nestor
• Sidney Cooks

Connecticut Sun

• Harmoni Turner
• Kyla Oldacre
• Mamignan Toure

Dallas Wings

• Kyla Oldacre
• Lazaria Spearman
• Grace Sullivan
• Shyanne Sellers

Golden State Valkyries

• Miela Sowah
• Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda
• Cate Reese
• Marta Suarez
• Mariella Fasoula
• Ashlon Jackson
• Caroline Ducharme
• Bailey Maupin

Indiana Fever

This will be updated with cuts as they are made.

Las Vegas Aces

This will be updated with cuts as they are made.

Los Angeles Sparks

• Amelia Hassett

Minnesota Lynx

• Aubrey Griffin
• Lani White
• Jade Masogayo
• Reigan Richardson
• Amaya Battle
• Sakima Walker
• Ra Shaya Kyle

New York Liberty

• Ny'Ceara Pryor
• Ashley Owusu

Phoenix Mercury

• Jaime Nared
• Aisha Sheppard
• Maggie Doogan
• Yarden Garzon
• Kalani Brown

Portland Fire

• Peyton Williams

Seattle Storm

• Taina Mair
• Elle Ladine
• Jalyn Brown
• Beatrice Mompremier

Toronto Tempo

• Elizabeth Balogun
• Dara Mabrey
• Maddison Rocci
• Kristy Wallace

Washington Mystics

• Kamaria McDaniel
• Mya Hollingshed