The early WNBA offseason can be summed up with the term “turnover.” Five head coaching positions are currently open following recent hires. The Dallas Wings appointed Curt Miller as their general manager, while the Washington Mystics and Las Vegas Aces are still in search of their own GM. Additionally, two expansion franchises set to debut in 2026 will also need to fill GM and head coach roles.
In the upcoming season, we will witness new coaches on the sidelines for more than half of the league’s teams. Over the next two seasons, WNBA teams are expected to hire nearly as many new front office executives.
The Golden State Valkyries, slated to launch in 2025, named Ohemaa Nyanin as their general manager in May. With the Valkyries now aware of their draft pick and the rules for the expansion draft, along with having head coach Natalie Nakase, they are well-positioned for their debut.
As the Valkyries gear up for action and await their players, attention turns to the expansion franchises of Toronto and Portland, set to begin play in 2026. While these two teams have time on their side, lacking team names and key personnel, it is expected that they will follow a similar timeline to the Valkyries.
Both Toronto and Portland face competition in the GM market due to the vacancies in Washington and Las Vegas. The appointment of a GM is the next likely step for the expansion teams, with the unfolding WNBA landscape potentially expediting these decisions. Fortunately, there are numerous qualified candidates available, prompting a discussion about potential future leaders of WNBA front offices.
Potential WNBA General Manager Candidates
Brandi Poole – Poole, an assistant coach with the Dallas Wings since 2022, is a potential candidate for a lead front office role across the league. With experience in WNBA front office roles and a history with the Portland Fire, Poole is a strong contender for the current openings.
Monica Wright Rogers – Wright Rogers, currently the assistant GM for the Phoenix Mercury, brings a player’s perspective to the front office. Her experience as a WNBA champion and involvement with player associations positions her as a valuable asset for any team looking to bolster their management.
Morgan Tuck – Former WNBA champion and current assistant GM for the Connecticut Sun, Tuck is well-versed in franchise development and player transactions. Her contributions to maintaining the Sun as a top contender make her a strong candidate for lead front office roles.
Michael Fischer – Fischer’s extensive experience in the Los Angeles Sparks front office, along with consulting for various WNBA teams, solidifies him as a prominent figure in the GM market. His background as a lead decision-maker and consultant for expansion teams makes him a noteworthy candidate for future roles.
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