WNBA free agency 2027 is shaping up as one of the most consequential stretches in league history. The Golden State Valkyries have just celebrated their first championship with a parade through San Francisco, and front offices are already turning to roster building and cap math. With Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Mitchell, and Jackie Young all on the market, the league’s balance of power could shift quickly.
Key Dates For WNBA Free Agency 2027
Teams have plenty of time to plan. Qualifying offers, used to designate core players, restricted free agents, and reserved players, go out between January 30 and February 3, 2027. The negotiation window opens February 4, and contracts can be signed starting February 16.
Before that, the 2027 WNBA draft lottery takes place November 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, which will help clubs map out how they build.
The Big Names On The Board
The three biggest names have each played only for the team that drafted them.
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx): The No. 6 pick in 2019 out of UConn, she is the top forward available.
- Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever): The No. 2 pick in 2018 had the best season of her career, averaging 24.7 points per game, and earned first-team All-WNBA honors in 2026. She has been candid that she plans to look hard at her options and put her own priorities first, whether that means winning or individual success.
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces): The No. 1 pick in 2019 has spent eight seasons in Las Vegas.
Other notable names include Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in 2013, and Sophie Cunningham, the Fever’s top bench scorer. Sydney Taylor, who made the All-Rookie team with the Chicago Sky after going undrafted, is also a name to watch. The full list of WNBA free agents is deep, with Kelsey Plum, Natasha Cloud, DiJonai Carrington, Tiffany Hayes, and Stefanie Dolson also available.
Team Needs In WNBA Free Agency 2027
The following is an analysis based on the names on the market.
- Indiana Fever: Mitchell’s scoring drove the offense, and Cunningham’s bench production is also expiring. Re-signing Mitchell is the top priority, and losing both would leave a major hole in the backcourt.
- Minnesota Lynx: Collier is the centerpiece, and any deal has to account for her impact on both ends of the floor.
- Las Vegas Aces: Keeping Young is key to the core, but the cap picture will determine how much flexibility the Aces have around her.
- Chicago Sky: Taylor’s emergence gives the Sky a young piece to build around, so retaining her may matter as much as chasing a star.
- Teams with cap space: Clubs with room could target the guards and forwards on the list, from veterans like Griner to rising talents.
How Teams May Approach the Market
Mitchell’s comments hint at a market where winning and individual opportunity could outweigh loyalty. For players who have never worn another jersey, the new environment could be a real draw.
Champions like the Valkyries face a different question: how to keep a winning group together while their valuation climbs. For more on that, read about the Golden State Valkyries’ $1 billion valuation.
Players’ calendars matter too, since many head overseas right after the season. Our look at WNBA players overseas during the offseason explains how that affects negotiations. Many stars also plan to compete in the next Unrivaled season rosters, adding another layer to their decisions.
FAQs
When does WNBA free agency 2027 begin?
Qualifying offers start January 30, the negotiation window opens February 4, and contracts can be signed from February 16.
Who are the top players available?
Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Mitchell and Jackie Young lead the class, followed by Brittney Griner and Sophie Cunningham.
Can players talk to other teams before February 4?
No. The negotiation period begins on February 4, when teams and players can start speaking.
When is the 2027 WNBA draft lottery?
November 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.