Ranking the top WNBA free agents in 2025

This WNBA free-agency period will be uncharacteristically relaxed.

There are a number of reasons for that, starting with the fact that free agents will be signing only one-year deals in anticipation of a new collective bargaining agreement that will completely reshape the league. These one-year deals are going to limit general managers slightly when it comes to blockbuster sign-and-trades they’re willing to execute.

For example, the Sky have the No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft. However, there are reservations on their part to deal the pick knowing that in return they would be getting a star player on a one-year deal.

Then there’s the actual pool of free agents to consider. MVPs such as Breanna Stewart and Nneka Ogwumike are unrestricted free agents but they’re unlikely to sign elsewhere. Stewart has acknowledged that she is expected to be cored by the Liberty. With realistic back-to-back title expectations in New York, what reason does she have to leave? Ogwumike has been adamant about her love for Storm coach Noelle Quinn and the overall experience of playing in Seattle.

The purpose of this free-agency period is to serve as an appetizer to the four-course meal next year when over 100 players and all of the league’s stars hit the market.

There are still a number of players who will be on the move this year.

Here is my list of the top-10 free agents taking into consideration the reality of their availability:

1. Kelsey Plum

2024 team: Las Vegas Aces

Unrestricted free agent

Plum is the most intriguing free agent this offseason because of her championship experience, where she’s at in her career and the likelihood that she’s actually on the move. The Aces will core Plum, after which a sign-and-trade is the most likely scenario.

The three-time All-Star was a key to the Aces becoming the first WNBA team to win back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Last year, her production dipped, which could be attributed to a slight decline in her three-point efficiency. There are a number of intriguing landing spots for Plum, including Chicago. With Tyler Marsh in town, the Sky have a shot of earning Plum’s consideration and the Aces attention because of the assets they can offer in a trade.

2. Kelsey Mitchell

2024 team: Indiana Fever

Unrestricted free agent

Mitchell is coming off her best season after averaging 19.2 points while shooting 46.8% from the field. There’s no question that she will be cored by the Fever, but whether or not they can convince her to re-sign is still up for debate. The two-time All-Star will have her pick of teams. However, Mitchell could be the difference in the Fever having a real shot at title contention in 2025. Winning free agency starts with re-signing Mitchell.

3. Satou Sabally

2024 team: Dallas Wings

Unrestricted free agent

Sabally confirmed Thursday that she will not be returning to the Wings in 2025.

“I’m working with [the Wings organization] to find a next home for me, because I’ve already played my last game in Dallas,” Sabally said.

The Wings will core Sabally. The only thing left to consider is where she will end up. The Sky have no shot of landing Sabally, according to multiple league sources. The Fever and Liberty are two teams who have a chance. Sabally said she loves the idea of playing with her sister, Nyara. Pulling that off this year would require Liberty GM Jonathan Kolb to clear some cap space. The Liberty have a number of unprotected contracts, including Leonie Fiebich, but a deal for Sabally is more likely to include a player such as forward Betnijah Laney.

4. Alyssa Thomas

2024 team: Connecticut Sun

Unrestricted free agent

After the Sun core Thomas the question becomes whether she forces a trade. During Unrivaled media availability on Thursday, Thomas declined to address free agency. She did, however, say that the new 3-on-3 league has “everything you possibly need here. They don’t really have a lot of those things in Connecticut. It’s been trying to absorb as much knowledge as I can.”

The five-time All-Star has been at the center of the Sun’s five consecutive semifinal appearances and a trip to the Finals in 2022. A sign-and-trade seems like a probable outcome for Thomas.

5. Emma Meesseman

2024 team: Opted out of WNBA play

Unrestricted free agent

Meesseman hasn’t played in the WNBA since she was with the Sky in 2022, opting instead to prioritize playing for the Belgian national team. She averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebound and 4.3 assists for Belgium during the Olympics.

The two-time All-Star and 2019 Finals MVP could return to the WNBA this season considering her national team coach, Rachid Meziane, was named the Sun’s coach after Stephanie White was hired by the Fever. Meesseman is a versatile big whose shot extends to the three-point line, making her a valuable asset on any roster. If she returns, it seems likely it would be to play for Meziane. Considering the Sun could have a number of bigs on the move, the fit makes more sense.

6. Gabby Williams

2024 team: Seattle Storm

Unrestricted free agent

After completing one of the best Olympic performances in helping lead France to a silver medal, Williams signed a rest-of-season contract with the Storm. In just 12 games, she averaged 10.3 points, four rebounds and 3.7 assists.

In October, Williams won the Alain Gilles Trophy, which is awarded to the best French basketball player of the year. Williams is one of the best defenders in women’s basketball and will have her pick of offers to choose from as a free agent. Just don’t expect any consideration to be given to the Sky. Williams has made it clear that any return to the franchise that drafted her is unlikely.

7. Courtney Vandersloot

2024 team: New York Liberty

Unrestricted free agent

Despite Liberty coach Sandy Brondello’s decision to bench Vandersloot in the Finals, she is still one of the top point guards in the league. Her production significantly declined in 2024, which was more a reflection of her decreased minutes. During Unrivaled media availability on Tuesday, Vandersloot made it clear that she wants to play for a team that will value her.

“I want to be competitive, obviously,” Vandersloot said. “That’s why you come into this league — you want to be competing for championships. And a place that takes care of me, wants me to be there and . . . sees what I can bring to the team. That’s most important. I want to have the ball in my hands and be able to create the way that I can.”

Minnesota makes the most sense for Vandersloot based on her desires. She met with the Lynx the last time she was a free agent in 2022. Landing Vandersloot could be a key for them returning to the Finals.

8. Breanna Stewart

2024 team: New York Liberty

Unrestricted free agent

The reality of Stewart’s free-agent status is why she’s listed at No. 8 on this list. If the two-time MVP and three-time WNBA champion was going to be available to other franchises, she would be No. 1 on this list. Expect the Liberty to core Stewart and her to re-sign.

9. Nneka Ogwumike

2024 team: Seattle Storm

Unrestricted free agent

Similar to Stewart, if Ogwumike was to be on the move she would be much higher on this list. Ogwumike is not available to core, which means she could walk in free agency outright. If Ogwumike ends up leaving, an interesting landing spot could be 800 miles south with the WNBA’s newest expansion team, the Valkyries.

10. Brittney Griner

2024 team: Phoenix Mercury

Unrestricted free agent

When Griner signed a one-year deal to return to the Mercury last year she said, “Phoenix is home.” It seems more than likely that the nine-time All-Star and WNBA champion will play her entire career with the Mercury.