WNBA Teams Face Big Questions in 2026 Training Camp

WNBA teams have big questions to answer in training camp

Introduction to WNBA Training Camp WNBA training camps are set to open on Sunday, marking the beginning of the league's 30th season. With free agency and the annual draft having taken place, rosters are starting to take shape, but there is still much to be decided before the regular season begins on May 8. The camps will provide the first opportunity for rookies to practice with their new teammates, and some players will emerge in bigger roles than last season. Team chemistry will also begin to build during the camps and preseason games. ## Atlanta Dream The Atlanta Dream had a successful season in 2025 under coach Karl Smesko, becoming an offensive powerhouse and leading the WNBA in rebounding. The team's up-tempo offense and rebounding fit well with Angel Reese, who has led the league in rebounds in her first two seasons. Reese is joining a group of veterans who worked well together last year in Atlanta, which should be good for her continued development. The Dream's projected starting lineup includes Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Angel Reese. ## Chicago Sky The Chicago Sky lost forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream, but they have added forwards Rickea Jackson and Azura Stevens. Jackson and Stevens combined for 27.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game last season with the Los Angeles Sparks. Jackson is just 25 and has growth potential, while Stevens is a more well-rounded scorer. The Sky's projected starting lineup includes Rachel Banham, Kamilla Cardoso, Skylar Diggins, Rickea Jackson, and Azura Stevens. ## Connecticut Sun The Connecticut Sun are in a season of transition, having announced that this will be their final season in Connecticut before relocating to Houston and being rebranded as the Comets in 2027. The team has launched a 'Sunset Season' campaign to commemorate the history of the franchise. The Sun are in rebuilding mode, leaning on a youth movement, with 12 players on their current roster having two or fewer years of experience in the league. The team's projected starting lineup includes Kennedy Burke, Brittney Griner, Leila Lacan, Aneesah Morrow, and Saniya Rivers. ## Dallas Wings The Dallas Wings had a productive free agency, headlined by the additions of Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and veteran Alysha Clark. The team also drafted Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 pick to provide much-needed shooting. The Wings are looking to capitalize on their back-to-back No. 1 picks, and how quickly the group meshes will be key. The backcourt of Paige Bueckers, Fudd, and Arike Ogunbowale will be important, and Ogunbowale will need to find her form again or reshape it to fit playing alongside talented guards. The Wings' projected starting lineup includes Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, Arike Ogunbowale, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith. ## Golden State Valkyries The Golden State Valkyries had a historic inaugural season, becoming the first WNBA expansion team to make the playoffs. The team has brought in Gabby Williams, who fits their defense-first identity, but they lost key contributors in free agency. The Valkyries will need to respond to expectations and match last season's success. The team's projected starting lineup includes Veronica Burton, Iliana Rupert, Janelle Salaun, Kayla Thornton, and Gabby Williams. ## Indiana Fever The Indiana Fever can remain healthy and dominate like they did with rookie Caitlin Clark. The team advanced to the semifinals despite losing Clark and other players to season-ending injuries. The foundation of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston remains, and the team has added size with the signing of Monique Billings. The Fever's projected starting lineup includes Monique Billings, Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, Lexie Hull, and Kelsey Mitchell. ## Las Vegas Aces The Las Vegas Aces have retained their big four of A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Jewell Loyd. Wilson signed the largest contract in WNBA history with a three-year, $5 million supermax deal. The Aces have won three of the past four championships and advanced to the Finals in four of the past six seasons. The team's projected starting lineup includes Kierstan Bell, Chelsea Gray, NaLyssa Smith, A'ja Wilson, and Jackie Young. ## Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks have acquired Nneka Ogwumike, who remains a top-notch player. Ogwumike averaged 18.3 points on 51.9% shooting and 7.0 rebounds in 30 minutes last season. The Sparks traded Rickea Jackson and also acquired Erica Wheeler and Ariel Atkins. The team is banking on experience alongside Dearica Hamby, Kelsey Plum, and Cameron Brink. The Sparks' projected starting lineup includes Ariel Atkins, Rae Burrell, Dearica Hamby, Kelsey Plum, and Nneka Ogwumike. ## Minnesota Lynx The Minnesota Lynx will be without Napheesa Collier, who had surgery on both ankles and is expected to return in June. The team lost post players Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard to free agency, so the only returning starters from last year's first-place team are veteran guards Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. The Lynx have added point guard Olivia Miles, who seems likely to be thrown into the fire right away. The team's projected starting lineup includes Natasha Howard, Dorka Juhasz, Kayla McBride, Olivia Miles, and Courtney Williams. ## New York Liberty The New York Liberty have hired coach Chris DeMarco, who will need to make his imprint on the team. The Liberty have a big three of Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones, and they have signed three-time WNBA All-Star Satou Sabally to a two-year deal. The team's projected starting lineup includes Leonie Fiebich, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Satou Sabally, and Breanna Stewart. ## Phoenix Mercury The Phoenix Mercury had a good postseason run last year, beating New York and Minnesota to make the WNBA Finals. The team lost Satou Sabally, who led the Mercury in scoring, and will need to make up for her loss. The Mercury return six players who started at least 20 games last season, plus veteran super sub DeWanna Bonner. The team's projected starting lineup includes Monique Akoa Makani, Kahleah Copper, Natasha Mack, Alyssa Thomas, and Sami Whitcomb. ## Portland Fire The Portland Fire are an expansion team, and coach Alex Sarama is implementing a Constraints-Led Approach to training. This method emphasizes adaptability, improvisation, and decision-making rather than predetermined movement patterns and drills. The Fire's projected starting lineup includes Bridget Carleton, Luisa Geiselsoder, Haley Jones, Carla Leite, and Sug Sutton. ## Seattle Storm The Seattle Storm lost 67.5 points per game and 82.2% of their scoring from last season, as their top five scorers signed elsewhere in free agency. The team has added guard Natisha Hiedeman and center Stephanie Dolson, and they drafted Awa Fam with the third pick. The Storm also acquired Flau'jae Johnson in a trade with Golden State. The team's projected starting lineup includes Zia Cooke, Natisha Hiedeman, Jordan Horston, Ezi Magbegor, and Dominique Malonga. ## Toronto Tempo The Toronto Tempo are an expansion team, and veteran guards Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey will need to set the tone for the team. Sykes and Mabrey have the kind of gritty and competitive personalities to help give the Tempo an identity. The team's projected starting lineup includes Julie Allemand, Temi Fagbenle, Marina Mabrey, Nyara Sabally, and Brittney Sykes. ## Washington Mystics The Washington Mystics have six first-round draft picks from the past two seasons, and it will take time to develop them. The team has retained restricted free agent Shakira Austin, and they have a core of 2025 rookie All-Stars in Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. The Mystics also added national champion and NCAA tournament Most Outstanding Player Lauren Betts in the draft. The team's projected starting lineup includes Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron, Georgia Amoore, and Angela Dugalic.