Seattle Storm Got Gutted in Free Agency and Nobody in the Emerald City Is Ready to Talk About It

The 2026 WNBA offseason was absolutely bonkers. After the league and players reached a new CBA deal in March, everything got compressed into a wild few weeks in April that included an expansion draft, the college draft, free agency, and training camp all crammed together. Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U'Ren said it best: "Few other leagues have gone through what this league just went through in terms of doing everything in a 3-4 week period."

Some teams crushed it in the chaos. The Las Vegas Aces kept their core intact with A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, and Chelsea Gray locked down. The New York Liberty did even better, holding onto Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones while adding three-time All-Star Satou Sabally. But then there's us. The Seattle Storm.

The Storm Lost 67.5 Points Per Game

Let that sink in. Five starters who averaged 67.5 points per game walked out the door: Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins, Brittney Sykes, Gabby Williams, and Erica Wheeler. That's not a roster tweak. That's a rebuild.

The Storm brought back Ezi Magbegor (9.7 ppg) and Dominique Malonga (7.7 ppg), but expecting them to replace over 82% of the team's total scoring is a massive ask. Front office did add pieces, sure. Natisha Hiedeman (7.3 ppg) and Stefanie Dolson (3.7 ppg) signed in free agency. The team drafted Awa Fam third overall and acquired Flau'jae Johnson in a draft-day trade with the Golden State Valkyries. But on paper, it's not even close to what walked out.

The Winners Are Clear, and Seattle Isn't One of Them

The New York Liberty retooled after a shocking first-round playoff exit by keeping their stars healthy and adding All-Star forward Satou Sabally. The Atlanta Dream kept its core together after a disappointing playoff loss and grabbed two-time All-Star Angel Reese in a trade. The Los Angeles Sparks got a steal by adding Nneka Ogwumike, who won an MVP and led LA to a championship in 2016, plus got two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins in a trade.

Meanwhile, the Storm is facing the biggest roster overhaul in recent memory. Magbegor and Malonga will have to step up offensively just to keep the boat afloat.

What's Next?

The Storm needs those young pieces to develop fast. This is a prove-it year for the front office and whoever steps into the leadership role this season. Seattle basketball fans are used to winning. Time to find out if this rebuilt roster can get back there.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.