The piece also covers the 2026 WNBA Draft landscape, notable players, and significant trades and signings during free agency.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert declined to discuss her own future, instead highlighting the league’s growth and the pivotal role women running the league play beyond any single tenure.

An officiating task force is being formed, including a dedicated officiating subgroup, with planned changes to physicality rules to be phased in over the season.

The WNBA is close to finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement, roughly 400-500 pages, with record salary increases, housing adjustments, 401k contributions, and funds for former players, signaling a major labor deal expected to be completed soon.

The league is exploring international play for 2027, potentially an exhibition or regular-season game overseas after expanding to Toronto this season, as part of a broader push to become a global product.

Engelbert expressed emotional pride in free agency growth, noting 23 players signed million-dollar contracts early and the potential for players to build generational wealth.

The Connecticut Sun sale to Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, remains awaiting Board of Governors approval, with continued fan support and discussions ongoing between the Rockets group and the franchise.

Training camps are set to begin soon and the regular season is scheduled to start May 8, following a surge of free-agent signings and the completion of the labor deal.