Winners and losers … and the power of new facilities and the looming CBA negotiations

• Phoenix Mercury: The Mercury orchestrated a significant four-team mega-deal, acquiring Satou Sabally, Alyssa Thomas, Kalani Brown, and Sevgi Uzun. This move bolsters their roster with versatile players, enhancing their competitiveness in the upcoming season
• Indiana Fever: The Fever secured Sophie Cunningham, Jaelyn Brown, and the No. 19 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft through the mega-deal. Additionally, they re-signed Kelsey Mitchell and agreed to deals with DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard, solidifying their roster with proven talent
• Las Vegas Aces: The Aces landed Jewell Loyd and the No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 draft in a blockbuster deal with the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks. This acquisition adds another star player to their already formidable lineup, positioning them as strong contenders.
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Losers of the 2025 WNBA Free Agency

• Seattle Storm: While acquiring the No. 2 pick, a 2026 first-round pick, and Li Yueru in the deal with the Aces and Sparks, the Storm lost key players like Jewell Loyd. Retaining Gabby Williams with a core designation provides some stability, but the team faces the challenge of rebuilding its roster to remain competitive.
• Los Angeles Sparks: The Sparks gained Kelsey Plum, the No. 9 pick, and a second-round pick in 2026 but parted ways with Jewell Loyd. The team needs to strategically utilize its new assets to fill the void left by Loyd’s departure and strengthen its overall roster.
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The Power of New FacilitiesThe allure of new facilities plays a crucial role in attracting free agents and shaping team dynamics. Teams with state-of-the-art training centers and amenities gain a competitive edge in recruiting top talent, as players seek environments that foster their development and well-being.Looming CBA NegotiationsThe upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations add another layer of complexity to the WNBA landscape. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact player salaries, benefits, and working conditions, influencing future free agency decisions and team strategies. Teams must carefully consider the potential implications of the new CBA as they navigate the free agency period and plan for long-term success.