How are WNBA players preparing for the great unknown of 2026 free agency? 'Everyone's in it together'
PHOENIX — Even four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson doesn't know what to expect in the coming weeks of an ultra-condensed offseason. “Not one bit,” Wilson told reporters on Friday from USA Basketball training camp. “I hope I'm protected.
” It’s near certain she will be on the Las Vegas Aces’ protection list for the two-team expansion draft , one of the few clear moving pieces as the WNBA announces the results on Friday, followed by an abbreviated free agency period when nearly every veteran is available . That flows into brief training camps before the season tips on May 8. The Las Vegas Aces will seek again to retain their core, and Wilson doubled down on Friday, saying she isn’t interested in going anywhere else.
Qualifying offers are expected to go out beginning on Tuesday, according to the most recent drafts sent to teams. Uncertainty abounds when it comes to official dates over the next two weeks, leading into training camps opening on April 19. “Like when does it start again?
” Sue Bird, Team USA managing director and a member of the Seattle Storm ownership group, quipped during a question on approaching free agency. The WNBA has not officially released dates for qualifying offers, the negotiating period and the opening of free agency while it completes the f ull collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that the players union and Board of Governors approved late last month . That Day 2 desert grind 🏜️💪 🌵 #USABWNT pic.
twitter. com/oPpEUkFTg8 — USA Basketball (@usabasketball) April 2, 2026 The tentative dates sent to teams are Tuesday for qualifying, Thursday for negotiations and April 12 for free agency. The week-long period overlaps the collegiate draft in New York on April 13, and is significantly shorter than typical offseason progressions that begin in January.
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