The WNBA offseason has arrived with a slate of significant questions facing the league, from the search for a new commissioner to the upcoming draft lottery, key free agent decisions, and coaching vacancies across multiple franchises.
Who will replace Cathy Engelbert as commissioner?
Cathy Engelbert announced in September that she will retire at the end of 2026 after seven years as the WNBA's first commissioner. The league has not yet named a successor, and the timing of an announcement remains unclear. Engelbert faced criticism from players, notably Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who described the league's leadership as the "worst leadership in the world" after the 2025 season. Engelbert was booed during her final public act presenting the championship trophy. Despite the friction, viewership, attendance, and salaries rose under her tenure, and the league added three expansion teams with three more planned by 2030. Reported contenders include WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, NBA deputy commissioner Marc Tatum, New York Liberty CEO Keia Clarke, Valkyries president Jess Smith, Hall of Famer Swin Cash, and Nike executive Tanya Hvizdak, with the league said to be keeping an "open mind."
Which team will win the 2027 Draft Lottery?
The first major offseason event is the 2027 WNBA Draft Lottery on November 15. The lottery now includes seven teams following the addition of the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire. The Tempo (2-24 to close 2026) and the Houston Comets (formerly the Connecticut Sun, 22-66 over two seasons) share the best odds with identical .250 winning percentages. USC star JuJu Watkins is the prohibitive favorite for the No. 1 pick, assuming she declares; she missed the 2026 season with a torn ACL and has not yet decided on her future.
Where will the top free agents sign?
This year's free agent class is headlined by four stars: Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces), Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever), and Kelsey Plum (Phoenix Mercury). Together they hold 19 All-Star appearances and 10 All-WNBA honors. Collier, Young, and Mitchell have spent their entire careers with their current teams, while Plum played only five games for the Mercury after a deadline trade. Their decisions will reshape several franchises.
Who will the Fever hire as general manager?
Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf stepped down and general manager Amber Cox was fired in quick succession. Mel Raines, president and CEO of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, will oversee business operations. The Fever have hired Excel Search & Advisory — owned by Excel Sports Management, which represents Caitlin Clark — to lead the GM search. The new GM must convince Mitchell to re-sign after she expressed a desire to be "selfish" in her decision, and secure a long-term extension for Clark, all while navigating a salary cap crunch and repairing the organization's reputation.
Who will the Liberty hire as head coach?
Chris DeMarco was fired Tuesday after one season, making him the third coach in as many years for New York. DeMarco, previously coach of the Jamaican men's national team, struggled with injuries and lineup decisions, and the Liberty's Big Three — Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu — did not publicly endorse him. General manager Jonathan Kolb now seeks a coach to maximize a roster under contract through 2027-28 in what is considered one of the league's most desirable jobs.
Who will the Sparks hire as head coach?
Los Angeles Sparks general manager Raegan Pebley and coach Lynne Roberts were dismissed after a disappointing season. New GM Ariana Andonian has vowed to "cast a wide net" and prioritize a "great developer of talent" for a rebuild around Cameron Brink and two 2027 lottery picks. The Sparks have the league's longest active playoff drought (since 2020) and have had four coaches in five seasons. Complicating matters, owner Mark Walters is reportedly exploring a sale of the franchise.
Can the Houston Comets become a free agent destination?
The Connecticut Sun have relocated to Houston and revived the Comets name, marking the first WNBA franchise move since the San Antonio Stars became the Las Vegas Aces in 2018. Team president Jennifer Rizzotti, GM Morgan Tuck, and coach Rachid Meziane are relocating with the players. The Comets will play in the renovated Toyota Center, sharing facilities with the NBA's Rockets, and possess significant cap space. While recent on-court struggles may limit immediate free agent appeal, the move to a larger market with upgraded resources could alter the franchise's trajectory.
