WNBA free agency period is in full swing. Negotiating free agent contracts began on Jan. 21, but players will soon be able to put pen to paper. And with the new collective bargaining agreement set to come into effect in 2026,

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) - Two-time Olympic gold medalist, two-time WNBA Champion and three-time WNBA M’VP, A’ja Wilson today added yet another trophy to her case: 2024 USA Basketball 5x5 Female Athlete of the Year after leading the U.S. Olympic Basketball Team to gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The Storm sent Jewell Loyd to the Aces and the Storm received the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft as part of the massive trade. On Tuesday, another blockbuster trade happened in the WNBA, this time between the Connecticut Sun and Phoenix Mercury.

That epitomized the late NBA great’s relationship with the women’s game. After his 20-year playing career ended, Bryant turned his focus to the next generation, mentoring some of women’s basketball’s biggest stars, from WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist Diana Taurasi to former Oregon star Sabrina Ionescu.

One of the WNBA’s best players is on the move, as Alyssa Thomas is headed to Phoenix in the second big trade of the week.

Many WNBA players believe Kobe Bryant would be pleased with the overall progress of women’s sports, which have skyrocketed in popularity and reach in recent years.

WNBA free agency has opened. Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Alyssa Thomas and Courtney Vandersloot are on the move.

Oct 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of game three of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Chicago Sky are grappling with the luxury and burden of options during this free-agency period. General manager Jeff Pagliocca almost entirely recouped the team’s draft stock over the last year, including securing the Nos.

The Aces have thrived with players selected at the top of the WNBA draft, but they have also made key additions in free agency over the years.

Bigtime boxing is on display in Las Vegas once again. Two undefeated men and one belt will be on the line. David Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) will face off with David Morrell

After their blockbuster trade for Jewell Loyd, the Aces are looking to retain proven talent and add more, including a possible target in Atlanta.