As the WNBA prepares for the upcoming season, teams are finalizing their rosters ahead of the May 15 deadline. Here’s a comprehensive update on each team’s roster situation as of Monday, May 12.
**Indiana Fever**: The Fever have solidified their roster with 12 players and are currently beneath the salary cap, indicating no further cuts are likely unless they decide to explore free agency. Notably, they recently waived Bree Hall, Jillian Alleyne, and Yvonne Ejim.
**Las Vegas Aces**: With 13 players currently, the Aces need to make at least one more roster cut. They waived rookie Deja Kelly and previously let go of Harmoni Turner and Queen Egbo. The team’s situation is somewhat flexible due to Cheyenne Parker-Tyus being on maternity leave, which could influence final decisions.
**New York Liberty**: The Liberty are managing a roster of 16 players, including injured Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, who may have her contract suspended to free up a roster spot. With at least three cuts looming, contenders for release include Jaylyn Sherrod and Esmery Martinez.
**Minnesota Lynx**: The Lynx sit at 13 players following the waiving of Reagan Richardson. Two additional cuts are forthcoming, and potential players at risk include Diamond Miller and Grace Berger.
**Phoenix Mercury**: Currently at 16 players, the Mercury face the challenge of releasing five members as they finalize their roster. The unpredictability of their cuts arises from a mix of inexperienced and training camp players.
**Dallas Wings**: After waiving Mai Yamamoto and Madison Scott, the Wings are left with 13 players and will need to make 1-2 more cuts. Rookies JJ Quinerly and Azaiha James remain hopeful multiple spots will be available for them.
**Seattle Storm**: The Storm have 14 players, although Katie Lou Samuelson’s injury adds complexity to their final decisions. They will likely need to make 2-3 more cuts, putting younger players on the bubble.
**Golden State Valkyries**: As an expansion team, the Valkyries currently have 17 players. Anticipating cuts down to 12, this team has the most uncertainty regarding its final roster.
**Connecticut Sun**: With their recent signing of Bria Hartley, the Sun’s roster has increased to 18, necessitating at least six cuts. The team has several drafted players and camp signees who may be on the line.
**Chicago Sky**: The Sky have finalized their roster at 12 players after the recent cuts of Alex Wilson, Morgan Bertsch, and Jessika Carter. Rookies Hailey Van Lith and Maddy Westbeld have secured their spots.
**Washington Mystics**: The Mystics are at 16 players with 4-5 cuts to anticipate. Georgia Amoore’s injury adds uncertainty, but the team is unlikely to cut her.
**Atlanta Dream**: After waiving Ashley Joens, the Dream has 14 players and will need to trim 2-3 more. Several players, including recently acquired Shyanne Sellers, are at risk.
**Los Angeles Sparks**: The Sparks, having cut Liatu King, now have 15 players and will also need to make more cuts. They still have three draftees and other signees in contention.
As the final rosters are set to be confirmed by May 15, the ongoing cuts and decisions highlight both the competitive nature of the league and the challenges of balancing player potential and team needs. Coaching staffs will be under pressure to make the right calls as they finalize what they hope will be championship-caliber teams.
A hopeful perspective is that these roster updates reflect the growth and development opportunities for many talented players, particularly the rookies and young athletes vying for their place in the league.