Photo via Yahoo Sports

Cathy Engelbert Says WNBA Free Agency Has Helped Break Up Super-Team Era

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert credited the league’s new free agency rules for dismantling the era of dominant 'super teams,' as three former championship contenders—New York, Minnesota, and defending champ Las Vegas—were eliminated before this year’s Finals. The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream, neither with a title, now face off in a series that would mark the eighth different champion in the last 11 seasons.

Engelbert highlighted how the collective bargaining agreement’s first million-dollar salaries and expanded player movement have reshaped team-building, with Atlanta’s Dan Padover—twice named Executive of the Year—leading the charge by assembling a roster through trades (Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada) and signings (Angel Reese). The Dream’s 10-game playoff winning streak and 5-0 record in the postseason underscore the league’s growing parity, while Engelbert also noted the influx of international talent, with over 30% of players now born outside the U.S.

and 10 of the 24 in this matchup hailing from abroad.

Up nextWNBA· 1h ago

Gabby Williams leads Valkyries past Dream for Game 1 victory