In astrology, a Saturn return marks a period of growth approximately every 29 or so years — a transition from youth to maturity. It makes sense, then, that the WNBA, which turns 30 this year, has been undergoing its own watershed moment.
In March, the players and the league agreed to a historic contract that includes revenue-sharing, significant increases in player compensation (for the first time, top players will be eligible for multi-million-dollar contracts), an increased salary cap, and more. This season will also see the arrival of two expansion teams — the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo — with three more to follow by 2030. The growth comes on the heels of a successful inaugural season for the Golden State Valkyries, record-breaking viewership and attendance records, and a growing number of sponsorship deals.
For Bustle’s second annual Game Changers: WNBA Draft issue, we returned to The Shed in Manhattan on Draft Night to meet 13 newly-minted players just moments after they found out they’d be going pro. They told us how they plan to spend their first WNBA paycheck, who has the best tunnel ’fits, and what they hope to get out of their first season of professional play. Also stay tuned for interviews with Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who opened up about juggling her rap career alongside playing hoops, and the Chicago Sky’s Gabriela Jaquez — fresh off winning the Final Four with the UCLA Bruins — about following in the footsteps of her brother, Miami Heat star Jamie Jaquez Jr. And, of course, we hit up experts to hear all the major storylines they’ll be looking out for this season — and what you should be watching for, too. It’s go time.
— Christina Amoroso, Editorial Director
Meet The Class Of 2026
Angela Dugalić, 24
Team: Washington Mystics
Position: Forward
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: A mix of comfort, but also Anne Hathaway and Zendaya. I can never be them, but they’re people I can look up to!
Dream one-on-one opponent: My brother. I haven’t played against him in a minute, and I know he’s been wanting to play against me.
Azzi Fudd, 23
Team: Dallas Wings
Position: Guard
Dream one-on-one opponent: Maya Moore.
What does a successful rookie year look like to you?
Asserting myself, figuring out my role on this team, and yeah, winning!
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: I love Skylar Diggins’ style, Tiffany Hayes, Paige [Bueckers] — there’s so many fashionistas in the league.
Charlisse Leger-Walker, 24
Team: Connecticut Sun
Position: Guard
How are you spending your first WNBA paycheck?
Honestly, it’s probably going straight into my investment accounts.
What does a successful rookie year look like to you?
Learning as much as I can from the veteran players who are on the squad.
Cotie McMahon, 21
Team: Washington Mystics
Position: Forward
What are your plans for your first WNBA paycheck?
Hopefully a bag, but we’ll see!
Rookie carrying the group chat: If we were to have a group chat, it would be me and Raven [Johnson].
What’s in your rookie-year survival kit?
Lip gloss and a spoolie for the lashes.
Flau’jae Johnson, 22
Team: Seattle Storm
Position: Guard
Are you on your own pregame playlist?
Yes — a couple of songs!
Dream one-on-one opponent: Probably one of my new teammates, because I’m going to be running ones wherever I go.
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: Teyana Taylor.
Gianna Kneepkens, 23
Team: Connecticut Sun
Position: Guard
What’s in your rookie-year survival kit? Good vibes!
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: Girls who are just confident in themselves. Maddy Westbeld has good style, and Skylar Diggins has cool clothes.
Dream one-on-one opponent: Michaela [Onyenwere], the UCLA assistant coach. Now she’s on the Mystics.
Kiki Rice, 22
Team: Toronto Tempo
Position: Guard
One word for your, and your team’s, rookie season: Growth.
Rookie with the best pregame playlist: Probably me. I have a good amount of R&B, hip hop, stuff that you can get up to when you’re about to play — a lot of Don Toliver, SZA, Gunna, YoungBoy.
Dream one-on-one opponent: LeBron.
Madina Okot, 21
Team: Atlanta Dream
Position: Center
What are your plans for your first WNBA paycheck?
Treating myself. I’ve been through so much to get to this point.
2026 Rookie Class Clown: Raven Johnson — she’s my roommate, and she’s the craziest. And Cotie McMahon, she’s so funny.
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: Kamilla Cardoso.
Marta Suárez, 23
Team: Golden State Valkyries
Position: Forward
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: Paige Bueckers and Hailey Van Lith. Kiki Rice, her outfit kind of reminds me of a bullfighter-type cropped jacket, very Spanish.
Dream one-on-one opponent: LeBron James, A’ja Wilson. Give me the best you’ve got!
What does a successful rookie year look like to you?
As long as I grow, I’ll be fine.
Nell Angloma, 19
Team: Connecticut Sun
Position: Forward
How are you spending your first WNBA paycheck?
A plane ticket for my parents.
What does a successful rookie year look like to you?
A season where I improve, learn, and do my best.
Raven Johnson, 23
Team: Indiana Fever
Position: Guard
2026 Rookie Class Clown: Cotie McMahon.
Rookie with the best pregame playlist: Flau’jae! Flau’jae Johnson. Her songs are for sure on there.
Dream one-on-one opponent: Anthony Edwards.
One word for your rookie season: Winning! And hopefully a championship.
Serah Williams, 22
Team: Connecticut Sun
Position: Forward
What does a successful rookie year look like to you?
Just being the best player I can to help my team and dominate it in the role, whatever it is.
Dream one-on-one opponent: Azzi Fudd, my former teammate.
Who to watch ahead of the 2027 draft: Kamorea Arnold.
Ta’Niya Latson, 22
Team: Los Angeles Sparks
Position: Guard
How are you spending your first WNBA paycheck?
I’ll probably buy my mom a car or a house.
Tunnel walk ’fit inspo: Angel Reese, she switches it up a lot.
One word for your rookie season: Legendary.
Photographer: Katie McCurdy
Writer: Megan LaCreta
Editor-in-Chief: Charlotte Owen
Editorial Director: Christina Amoroso
Creative Director: Karen Hibbert
Video: Mila Grgas
Photo Director: Jackie Ladner
Production: Brenna Smit, Aubree Lennon, Danielle Smit
Fashion Market Director: Jennifer Yee
Features Director: Nolan Feeney
Social Director: Charlie Mock
Overtime Reading
Flau'jae Johnson Has Rhythm — On & Off The Court
For her rookie season, this LSU Tigers alum will be playing for the Seattle Storm.
The WNBA Is About To Have Its Biggest Season Yet
From leveled-up tunnel ’fits to TikTok-famous duos, the league is entering a new era. Experts reveal the storylines they’ll be looking out for this year.
Cameron Brink Is Already Scheming About This Season’s Tunnel Walks
The Los Angeles Sparks forward swears by her meditative makeup routine and one specific sleep hack.
Aryna Sabalenka Never Plays A Match Without This Good Luck Charm
The tennis star is the fifth woman to clinch the “Sunshine Double.”
Candace Parker Keeps On Winning
The three-time WNBA champ looks ahead to the upcoming season.
Monique Billings Lives By Her "Self-Care Menu"
The WNBA star chats about her pregame routine, tunnel ’fits, and what fuels her.
Sophie Cunningham Is Ready To Lock In
The WNBA guard shares what’s on her pregame playlist.
10 Accounts Every Women's Soccer Fan Needs To Follow
Fan pages, podcasts, and legendary players.
