The 2025 WNBA free agency period has nearly arrived. Teams can begin making qualifying offers and "Core player" designations for their own players as soon as Saturday, and can start negotiating with free agents on Jan. 21. By Feb. 1, deals can be officially signed.
Once again, there are a number of stars on the market this winter, including multiple former MVPs. This time around, however, there's an interesting twist: most players are expected to sign only one-year deals so they can become free agents again in 2026 when a new collective bargaining agreement, and higher salaries, should be in place. That could lead to some surprise signings.
As we wait to see what will happen, here's a look at the top 10 free agents on the board. For a full tracker of each and every move, go here.
1. Breanna Stewart
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: New York Liberty
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Stewart is a free agent for the fourth year in a row, and she is once again the top player on the board. Fresh off her third title, fifth consecutive First Team All-WNBA appearance, third consecutive All-Defensive First Team honor and fifth consecutive top-three MVP finish, Stewart remains one of the league's very best. Her efficiency dropped last season, particularly from behind the arc, which would be a bigger concern if she wasn't an all-around contributor. Stewart will almost certainly return to the Liberty to lead their title defense.
2. Alyssa Thomas
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Connecticut Sun
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Thomas' 2023 campaign was so incredible that when she "only" put up 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.6 steals per game on 50.9% shooting, it felt like a bit of a down year. Her inability to shoot outside of the paint is always going to be a limiting factor, but she makes up for it with elite playmaking, tenacious defense and overwhelming physicality. There have been a lot of changes in Uncasville this winter, and with all but three players hitting free agency it's unclear if Thomas will be back with the Sun or not. Whichever team she suits up for next season will be a winner.
3. Kelsey Plum
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Las Vegas Aces
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Last season did not go to plan for Plum nor the Aces, whose three-peat bid came to an end in the semifinals against the Liberty. Plum, who was dealing with a public and emotionally draining divorce, had her worst scoring season (17.8 points per game) since becoming a full-time starter in 2022 and her least efficient shooting season (56.3% TS) since 2019. Even so, she finished tied for 10th in the league in scoring and 11th in assists (4.2), and is going to get a max this winter. The only question is whether it will be from the Aces, who could "core" her, or someone else.
4. Satou Sabally
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Dallas Wings
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
If you could guarantee that Sabally was going to be healthy, you could make a strong argument that she should be No. 2 on this list. Alas, health remains a concern for the German forward, who was limited to 15 games last season due to shoulder surgery. She still hasn't hit the 100-game mark despite being drafted in 2020 and has made 17 or fewer appearances in four of her five seasons. When she is on the floor, she's one of the most versatile and dynamic forwards in the league, which is why she'll be highly sought after. Earlier in the offseason she made cryptic comments about possibly leaving Dallas, but will a new coach, new general manager and winning the No. 1 pick in the lottery convince her to stay?
5. Kelsey Mitchell
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Indiana Fever
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
The former No. 2 overall pick flew under the radar for much of her career due to the Fever's status as a perennial basement dweller. That is no longer the case after her breakout campaign last season alongside Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. Those two formed a dynamic partnership, particularly after the Olympic break when they were arguably the best backcourt in the league. The Fever have made it clear that keeping Mitchell is their main priority this winter, but the veteran guard is eager to explore the free agency process. There's a good chance she eventually returns to Indianapolis, but that does not appear to be a guarantee.
6. Nneka Ogwumike
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Seattle Storm
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Ogwumike's first season in Seattle was a bit of a bust, both on and off the court, but that was through no fault of her own. She still was named an All-Star, All-WNBA Second Team and All-Defensive Second Team performer for the second season in a row and was a driving force behind the Storm's elite defense. Even at this stage of her career, the former MVP remains one of the most consistent two-way players in the league. The Storm likely lead the chase to re-sign her, but other teams will be desperate to pry her away.
7. Brionna Jones
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Connecticut Sun
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Jones made an impressive return to the court last season less than a year after tearing her Achilles tendon. She started all 40 games, was named an All-Star for the third time in her career and finished sixth in the league in win shares at 6.0. Jones is never going to put up huge numbers, but she's a reliable paint presence who scores extremely efficiently around the basket. While Jones has spent her entire career in Connecticut, it's unclear if she'll be back after the franchise's major shake-up this winter.
8. Brittney Griner
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Phoenix Mercury
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Once one of the most fearsome defenders in the league, Griner has turned into more of an offensive force in recent years. She shot a career-high and league-leading 57.9% from the field last season and finished tied for 10th in the league in scoring at 17.8 points per game. Under new coach Nate Tibbets, she even started to step behind the line and made more 3s (nine) than she had in her first 10 seasons combined (seven). It would be a surprise if Griner leaves the only franchise she has ever known this winter.
9. DeWanna Bonner
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Connecticut Sun
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
The 37-year-old Bonner showed no signs of slowing down last season as she once again played all 40 games and finished ninth in the league in total minutes (1,272). Her shot still comes and goes, as it always has, but her effort and impact, particularly on the defensive end, never does. There are few better competitors and leaders than Bonner, who seems likely to be a package deal this offseason with her fianceé, Alyssa Thomas. Whether that means remaining in Connecticut or heading elsewhere remains to be seen.
10. DiJonai Carrington
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Connecticut Sun
- Free agent classification: Restricted
Last season's Most Improved Player, Carrington also earned her first All-Defensive First Team nod and finished fourth in the Defensive Player of the Year voting as she staked her claim as the best perimeter defender in the league. Her efficiency, particularly from behind the arc, fell as she took on a bigger role on both ends of the floor, but her defensive effort more than made up for that. As a restricted free agent, the Sun can match any offer she receives.
Honorable mentions
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Chicago Sky
- Free agent classification: Restricted
Carter went unsigned during the 2023 season, but returned to the W in style with the Sky after making the team via a training camp contract. Her quickness and ability to create her own shot is largely unmatched, but some teams may still be wary of her early-career off-court issues.
Elena Delle Donne
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: N/A (Last played for Washington Mystics in 2023)
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
The former two-time MVP stepped away from the game last winter and it's unclear when or if she'll play again. Even at 35 and with an extensive history of back injuries, she'll be receiving plenty of calls to gauge her interest in suiting up this summer.
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Las Vegas Aces
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
Hayes came out of retirement to sign with the Aces in the middle of last season and went on to win Sixth Player of the Year. If she's willing to commit to another WNBA season, it's clear she can still be a very impactful player.
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Dallas Wings
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
A broken foot on opening night got Howard's 2024 campaign off to an unfortunate start, and we never really saw the best of her. She's made it clear that she's leaving Dallas this winter, and her frontcourt versatility will make her an intriguing addition for whatever club she joins.
- Status: Unsigned
- 2024 team: Seattle Storm
- Free agent classification: Unrestricted
The former lottery pick has only played 22 games in the last two seasons due to injuries and overseas commitments, but she's one of the most versatile wings in the league and a truly elite defender that could help any team.
