The WNBA offseason has arrived with a slate of significant questions ahead of the 2027 Draft Lottery on November 15. While this offseason lacks the chaos of expansion, labor disputes, or a historic free-agent class, the league faces pivotal decisions that will shape its near future.
Who will replace Cathy Engelbert as commissioner?
Cathy Engelbert announced in September she will retire at the end of 2026 after seven years as the WNBA's first commissioner. The league has not named a successor, and the timing remains unclear. Engelbert's tenure saw viewership, attendance, and salaries surge, plus the addition of three expansion teams with three more planned by 2030. However, she faced criticism over player relations, notably from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, and was booed during her final public appearance. Reported contenders 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.
Which team will win the 2027 Draft Lottery?
The lottery on November 15 will determine the No. 1 pick in the 2027 WNBA Draft. The Toronto Tempo and Houston Comets share the best odds after identical .250 winning percentages over the relevant period. USC star JuJu Watkins is the prohibitive favorite to be selected first, though she has not decided whether to declare or return for the 2027-28 college season.
Where will the top free agents sign?
Unrestricted free agents Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kelsey Plum — a group with 19 combined All-Star appearances and 10 All-WNBA honors — will significantly impact multiple franchises. Collier, Young, and Mitchell have spent their entire careers with the Lynx, Aces, and Fever respectively, while Plum played only five games for the Mercury after a deadline trade.
Who will the Fever hire as general manager?
Indiana fired GM Amber Cox and saw president Kelly Krauskopf step down. The search, led by Excel Search & Advisory (owned by Excel Sports Management, which represents Caitlin Clark), must address Mitchell's potential departure and Clark's long-term extension amid a salary-cap crunch.
Who will coach the Liberty and Sparks?
New York fired Chris DeMarco after one season, leaving GM Jonathan Kolb to find a third coach in three years despite a roster featuring Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Sabrina Ionescu under contract through 2028. Los Angeles, now led by new GM Ariana Andonian, seeks a coach to guide a rebuild around Cameron Brink and two 2027 lottery picks, amid reports owner Mark Walters may sell the franchise.
Can the relocated Comets become a free-agent destination?
The Connecticut Sun have moved to Houston and rebranded as the Comets, bringing continuity in leadership and players. The franchise will play in the renovated Toyota Center with upgraded facilities and greater resources. While recent on-court struggles may limit immediate appeal, the move offers a test of whether Houston can attract top talent compared to Uncasville.
