WNBA franchises execute roster reductions ahead of 2026 campaign under new collective bargaining agreement
Multiple teams have waived players to meet minimum roster requirements under the new collective bargaining agreement, with the regular season set to commence on 8 May.
Multiple WNBA franchises have executed roster reductions ahead of the 2026 regular season, a move necessitated by the structural changes introduced in the new collective bargaining agreement. Under these revised rules, teams must maintain a minimum roster of 12 players, an increase from the previous 11, alongside two developmental spots and salary cap exceptions for injured or pregnant players. To comply with these mandates, several clubs have moved to trim their squads, sending unclaimed players to the waiver wire for a 48-hour period before they become unrestricted free agents.
Among the notable releases is Madison Scott, who has been waived by the Washington Mystics. The No. 14 overall pick from the 2025 draft had signed with the club in September, recording one rebound and two steals across two preseason games. Her departure marks a significant shift for the Mystics as they reconfigure their lineup for the upcoming campaign.
In Chicago, the Sky have announced the waiver of Hailey Van Lith. While the team noted that Van Lith had begun to improve during her career, the decision to release her was driven by the franchise's specific style of play preference. Reports indicate that Van Lith is currently in active conversation with several other franchises, suggesting her market remains active despite the roster cut.
Further west, the Golden State Valkyries have waived Marta Suarez, the No. 16 overall pick from the 2025 draft. The Valkyries originally selected Flau'jae Johnson with the eighth pick but traded her on draft night to acquire Suarez. A former 2025 NCAA champion, Suarez is expected to attract interest from other teams as the league adjusts to the new roster configurations.
The 2026 season also marks a period of expansion for the league, with the addition of the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. These new franchises join the existing 15 teams, creating a competitive environment where roster flexibility is crucial. As the season is scheduled to begin on 8 May, with the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty set to open the tipoffs, the landscape of the league is rapidly evolving.
The waiver wire now serves as the primary mechanism for redistributing talent as teams finalise their opening day rosters. Any player not claimed by another franchise within the 48-hour window will gain cleared status, allowing them to negotiate new contracts with any team in the league. This fluidity underscores the dynamic nature of the WNBA as it navigates the transition to the 2026 season.
