WNBA offseason 2026: Guides for every eliminated team - ESPN

The first team eliminated from the 2026 WNBA playoffs was a shocking one: the No.1 seed Minnesota Lynx, who were swept by the No. 8 New York Liberty in two blowout losses. On Wednesday, the No. 5 Washington Mystics were the second team eliminated following a sweep by the No. 4 Atlanta Dream.

For the Mystics and every other team eliminated this postseason, we're breaking down potential moves for each WNBA franchise, including a look at the state of each roster, team needs and priorities for each front office this coming offseason.

Movement during WNBA free agency in 2027 could be more active than ever given the short turnaround between the new collective bargaining agreement and the start of 2026 training camps.

The draft lottery, typically held in November or December, will determine which team will get the No. 1 pick in the 2027 draft. After three expansion teams joined the WNBA the past two seasons, the league will stick with 15 teams for 2027, but the Connecticut Sun will relocate to Houston.

2026 regular season: 28-16; No. 5 seed
Postseason results: Swept by No. 4 seed Atlanta in the first round
Free agents: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (unrestricted)
2027 draft capital: Own first-round pick (can swap with Chicago Sky), two second-round picks (one via Sky), third-round pick

Season recap: This was a dream season for the franchise: It reached the playoffs for the first time since 2023 in just Year 2 of a complete rebuild. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were selected for the All-Star Game for the second time in their two-year careers. Shakira Austin made the biggest leap of her career and was in the running for both Most Improved Player and Defensive Player of the Year while setting the franchise record for single-season