There might be dark clouds over the 2026 WNBA season, but the franchises are preparing themselves with their draft boards and even shortlisting the free agents to move forward. At the moment, WNBA and WNBPA have agreed on a free agency moratorium, suspending qualifying offers until a new CBA.
But the teams are using their Unrivaled league performances to fine-tune their plans for free-agent signings. Here are four free agents currently on top of every franchise’s wish list.
Top Free Agents Shining In Unrivaled 2026
The Unrivaled season highlighted many players’ individual skills. In a 3-on-3 format, each player covers territory around her, taking responsibility for both offense and defense. Plus, the game’s fast-paced nature makes it even harder for players to avoid mistakes.
While Paige Bueckers leads the charge for Breeze BC, Chelsea Gray is taking a bigger role for the Rose BC. Though both these players will be with their respective WNBA franchises, a few free agents are available for signing.
4. Brittney Sykes
Even though the Mystics traded the guard to the Seattle Storm, where she averaged just 12 points per game, though the numbers don’t justify her capabilities, she just showcased her offensive game at the Unrivaled. In recent games, she recorded 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals with high efficiency. Moreover, the star has experience that many teams would pursue. Interestingly, she now has the option to take advantage of free agency and move elsewhere.
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3. Dearica Hamby
The player shone with the LA team, but it was only after she played in the inaugural season in the Unrivaled league. In the second season, she also proved her effectiveness on the floor. She recorded the 40-point game at Unrivaled, with 10 rebounds to go with it. She’s shooting 59.6 per cent from the field over her first three games. Many saw the Fever eyeing Hamby to add depth to the lineup.
2. Marina Mabrey
The Connecticut Sun might have had a poor season, but Marina Mabrey had been their offensive engine. In Unrivaled, too, the veteran guard had been at her offensive best. She recorded 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists in her first matchup and averaged 27.0 points per game.
Marina Mabrey (1/12/26) pic.twitter.com/gWiQ4DPnTa
— @balapattyszn (@balapattyvids) January 13, 2026
Even though the Sun denied her trade in the 025 season, she will be on the move after huge uncertainty around the franchise. Watching her play in the Unrivaled league, she would be the best player in the ‘W’ also.
1. Shakira Austin
The player is in the perfect position to complete her rookie contract. In the league, she impressed everyone with her gameplay, and now in the unrivaled league, she is also averaging 14.3 points and 8.0 rebounds per game so far. While the Mystics are looking to keep the young core, Austin would look to challenge for the title with a contender side. Austin is neither a veteran nor has enough league experience to guide the rookies.