3 big winners, 2 losers from WNBA free agency (so far)

The entire WNBA landscape has dramatically shifted over the past 10 days, with some of the league’s top players switching teams (shoutout Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, Jewell Loyd, and Satou Sabally) and some teams completely resetting their rosters, like the Connecticut Sun and the Phoenix Mercury.

Rosters still aren’t set ahead of next season — and we still got a whole WNBA draft between now and tip-off — but let’s take an early look at the winners and losers of WNBA free agency.

Winner: Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever

The Fever entered free agency in a good position — fresh off their first playoff appearance since 2016 and with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston headlining what’s almost certainly the best young core in the league. But things only look better here in early February — they managed to re-sign scoring powerhouse Kelsey Mitchell, trade for 3&D wing Sophie Cunningham, add former Defensive Player of the Year Natasha Howard, and signed veteran guard DeWanna Bonner.

Those are three great acquisitions — especially Bonner, who is fresh off of another All-Star season. And, with decorated head coach Stephanie White at the helm, the Fever are well-positioned to put it all together. Oh, and they announced they were building what will be the largest state-of-the-art practice facility in the league.

Clark’s first offseason in the WNBA has been a masterclass by her front office on how to capitalize on the limited window of having a generational talent. Other front offices should take notes.

Loser: The Golden State Valkyries

The Valkyries — the WNBA’s newest franchise — have seemingly struck out on the biggest targets in free agency. In turn, it appears they will have to roll with the roster they selected in December’s expansion draft. For a moment there, Golden State seemed like a plausible destination for Kelsey Plum. But, Plum instead was traded to Los Angeles to become the face of the Sparks franchise. It seems that free agents were reticent about signing with the league’s 2025 expansion team, despite the brand-new facilities and significant investment from ownership. 2026 will give them another bite at the apple, but next year’s roster doesn’t currently feature any already-established stars.

Winner: Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury completely shook up last year’s team — trading away Natasha Cloud and Rebecca Allen (Connecticut) and Sophie Cunningham (Indiana), and seeing Brittney Griner walk away in free agency to Atlanta. But, the shakeup might’ve been needed, as last year’s team underperformed and was swept in the first round of the playoffs. Phoenix acquired both Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally via trade — two of the top players in the WNBA — who will form a new Big 3 alongside Kahleah Copper.

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Thomas and Sabally were two of the top players on the market, so to acquire both is a massive win in and of itself. And, while how the new trio will mesh remains to be seen, in Sabally, Thomas, and Copper, they have three offensive engines who are also threats on both ends. And, for Thomas and Sabally, who to date haven’t played for organizations with their own practice facilities, joining the Mercury will also serve as a lifestyle boost.

Loser: Connecticut Sun fans

Next year’s Connecticut Sun won’t resemble last year’s elite squad. The dynamic backcourt of DiJonai Carrington and Ty Harris will play for the Dallas Wings next season, Alyssa Thomas for the Mercury, DeWanna Bonner for the Indiana Fever, and Brionna Jones for the Atlanta Dream. Even backup point guard Veronica Burton won’t be a Sun next season after she was selected in the Valkyries’ expansion draft.

Next year’s roster does have some promising players — the league’s all-time rebounding leader, Tina Charles, signed the Sun, Marina Mabrey will be back for a second season, and Natasha Cloud is an electric guard and an elite defender. Connecticut also signed Diamond DeShields and acquired Lindsay Allen from the Chicago Sky — and has a few open roster spots that will be filled.

Many expected the new era to be highlighted by Carrington, who is fresh off of a Most Improved Player award. Carrington, a tenacious defender and rising star, was sent to Dallas, providing another blow.

Winner: Jewell Loyd (and the Las Vegas Aces)

Jewell Loyd requested a trade from the Storm after spending her entire career in Seattle. And, as such, she could have landed anywhere. But, Loyd ended up in one of the WNBA’s premier organizations, where she’ll join forces with fellow Team USA teammates A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young. The Aces have one of the league’s most well-respected coaches in Becky Hammon, their very own practice facility, and substantial investment from ownership and the city of Las Vegas. Loyd will still get plenty of offensive opportunities, but playing alongside the three-time MVP in Wilson, she undoubtedly won’t be able to draw the same type of defensive pressure she faced in Seattle.

Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images

The trade is also a major win for the Aces, who didn’t have a slam-dunk free agency but still enter 2025 in good shape. Considering that Kelsey Plum wanted to enter a new chapter of her career, getting Jewell Loyd in return was as good of a return as Las Vegas could have realistically hoped for. Loyd is one of the league’s elite scorers, and at her best, she could be an upgrade over Plum. Now, the Aces will hope they can re-sign the 2024 Sixth Player of the Year Tiffany Hayes.