The WNBA offseason has begun with several key questions ahead of the 2027 Draft Lottery on November 15. No expansion teams are joining this year, but the league faces a commissioner search, draft lottery odds, major free agents, and coaching vacancies.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement at the end of 2026 after seven years. The league has not named a replacement; candidates 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.
The 2027 Draft Lottery on November 15 will determine the No. 1 pick. The Toronto Tempo and Houston Comets share the best odds after identical .250 winning percentages. USC star JuJu Watkins is the favorite for the top pick if she declares.
Four unrestricted free agents — Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kelsey Plum — combine for 19 All-Star appearances and 10 All-WNBA honors. Their decisions will shape multiple teams.
The Indiana Fever fired general manager Amber Cox and president Kelly Krauskopf stepped down. The new GM must re-sign Mitchell and secure a long-term extension for Caitlin Clark while navigating a salary cap crunch.
The New York Liberty fired head coach Chris DeMarco after one season. The team seeks its third coach in three years with a core of Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu under contract through 2028.
The Los Angeles Sparks, without a coach since Lynne Roberts' dismissal, are conducting a wide search under new GM Ariana Andonian. The franchise has missed the playoffs since 2020 and is rebuilding around Cameron Brink.
The Connecticut Sun have relocated to become the Houston Comets, moving into the Toyota Center with upgraded facilities. The franchise hopes the move will attract free agents, though recent struggles may delay that appeal.
