The WNBA has been put through the wringer during this year's weeks of free agency. Though the fun hasn't quite wrapped up yet (teams are still making deals and athletes are still signing contracts, per the WNBA transactions page) most of the big moves have been made and now it's time to sit back, take a breath, and see what damage has been done — and who will come out as the league's biggest winners.
As the newest team in the WNBA, free agency was always going to be an uphill battle for the Golden State Valkyries. The team hoped to attract some of the league's biggest stars (like Kelsey Plum, who ultimately went to the Los Angeles Sparks), but convincing vets who are hoping to win championships sooner than later is a hard sell.
Still, that doesn't mean the Valkyries walked out of free agency without any wins. The team added Tiffany Hayes, Monique Billings, and Kayla Thornton to the roster, which gives Golden State the veteran boost the team definitely needed, and also squared away contracts with some of Europe's fiercest talent, including Julie Vanloo as well as Kyara Linskens, Chloe Bibby, and Janelle Salaün.
Here's a look at how the Golden State Valkyries' free agency moves stack up to those of other teams:
Indiana Fever wins free agency
Without a doubt, the Fever are the big winners of 2025. If anyone doubted the team is making a serious championship play, those doubts have been put to bed. In a breathless couple of weeks, the team added DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, and Sydney Colson to a roster that still includes Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Lexie Hull. The Fever needed more experienced players on the wing and they got them, so that combined with Clark's ability to run the floor wil mean the team will be tough this season.
Los Angeles Sparks are right behind them
If there's another team that won this free agency, it's undoubtedly the Los Angeles Sparks. Though signing Plum meant the team had to trade away their No. 2 pick in this year's draft, that decision will very likely prove worth it if the Sparks are able to make a serious play at the championship this year.
The only question mark still lingering is that it's not clear how long Plum will stay with the team — and it's likely that depends on how well the team does in the first place. Though she's recently praised the organization for treating her better "than I've ever been," that doesn't mean she'll feel that way at the end of the season (though a trophy would certainly help).
Atlanta Dream comes in solidly at third
The Dream also made a few key moves this offseason that surprised plenty of WNBA fans. Most notably, the team convinced longtime Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner to trade the southwest for the southeast. Brionna Jones will also join the team this season. It's not totally clear how both players will work with the team's new coach, Karl Smesko, but there's no doubt that the combination of the team is a major win for Atlanta.