Your Favorite WNBA Rookies Were Cut From The League—Here's Why

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

All eyes are on the WNBA, with a new class of basketball stars becoming professionals (and pretty big stars in the process).

Players like Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese have drawn in more viewers, boosted ticket sales around the country, and breathed new life into the league. But...there is a key hurdle coming up that they must make it past.

The official season begins May 14. The final roster were set on Monday, May 13.

Here's everything you need to know about WNBA roster cuts, and where each team stands before tonight's tip-off.

How many players can be on a WNBA team?

Each WNBA team has to have a minimum roster size of 11 players and a maximum roster size of 12 players, according to the WNBA’s website. With 12 teams across the country, that’s only a maximum of 144 spots to be filled by veterans and newbies, making the WNBA really, really competitive.

Up to 18 players can sign with WNBA teams, but six will be cut. Given how short the turnaround is between the college season and start of the WNBA season, the whole thing is just tough, especially for newcomers.

Who has been cut from the WNBA?

The final day for cuts was Monday, May 13, at the end of the day. In 2023, just 15 of the 36 WNBA draftees made the final cut, according to the Indy Star. A lot of the big names who were drafted—including Caitlin, Kamilla, and Angel—haven't been waived, per CBS Sports.

Here's where each team stands:

Las Vegas Aces

The most notable cut so far is Bria Hartley, who was released by the Las Vegas Aces, per CBS. She tore her ACL during 2020 and has only played 19 games since then, per the outlet. She was trying to make a comeback in 2024.

In addition to cutting Bria, the Las Vegas Aces removed Brea Beal, Angel Jackson, Morgan Jones, and Kamaria McDaniel from the team. Kate Martin (who played with Caitlin throughout her college career with the Hawkeyes) survived the Aces' cuts to stay on the 12-person roster, per Inside the Hawkeyes. After initially traveling to New York only to support her teammate Caitlin, Kate was selected in the second round of the draft by the Aces, a.k.a. the reigning WNBA champs.

Atlanta Dream

Elizabeth Balogun, Khadijiah Cave, Taja Cole, Destanni Henderson, and Khaalia Hillsman were cut. Elizabeth, Khadijiah, and Taja were rookies, while Destanni and Khaalia had each played in the league for over a year.

Chicago Sky

Rookie Taya Reimer was cut.

Connecticut Sun

The team waived one-year players Leigha Brown, Rennia Davis, and Kianna Smith. They also cut Shey Peddy, who has played in the league for five years, plus rookies Taiyanna Jackson and Helena Pueyo.

Dallas Wings

The team said goodbye to rookies Ashley Owusu and Katrina Pardee. They also cut Veronica Burton, who'd played in the league for two years.

Indiana Fever

The team lost rookie Leilani Correa and two-year guard Maya Caldwell.

Los Angeles Sparks

The team cut Virag Kiss and MacKenzie Forbes, both rookies. They also waived veterans Taylor Mikesell, Nia Clouden, and Blake Dietrick.

Minnesota Lynx

The team removed rookies Mimi Collins, Kiki Jefferson, Camryn Taylor, and Quinesha Lockett from the team. They also waived Ruthy Hebard, who previously played for the Chicago Sky, and Kayana Taylor, who played with the Lynx for a year.

New York Liberty

The team said goodbye to rookies Okako Adika, Jessika Carter, Brianna Fraser, Stephanie Mawuli, and Rita Igbokwe.

Phoenix Mercury

The team lost rookies Ariel Hearn, Mya Hollingshed, Bella Murekatete, Charisma Osborne, Jaz Shelley, and Christyn Williams, plus one-year guard Amy Atwell.

Seattle Storm

The team cut Alaina Coates, a center with five years of experience, and Kaela Davis, a forward who played in the league for the same amount of time. Rookie Quay Miller was also cut.

Washington Mystics

The team cut rookies Jakia Brown-Turner, Kaylynne Truong, and Honesty Scott-Grayson from the roster, plus one-year center Elissa Cunane.

Will Caitlin Clark start in the WNBA?

Yes, Caitlin will start in the WNBA, given her level of talent and huge following. Caitlin just started in a preseason game against the Dallas Wings and scored 21 points, per ESPN.

"My biggest goal coming into tonight was to continue to be myself, play aggressive," she said afterward, per ESPN. "I thought that's what I did. I think there's a lot to be proud of."

What happens after a WNBA player is cut?

It depends. Again, the WNBA is incredibly competitive and it’s really hard to make one of these spots.

“If you get cut after training camp, that does not mean you're not good," Atlanta Dream's Laeticia Amihere said in a recent TikTok. "That does not mean that player sucks. Don't stop supporting that player."

Laeticia also said that things like fit on a team and chemistry can play a role in who makes the final roster. That said, people who get cut can get snapped up by another team or could go overseas to play—and overseas teams tend to pay higher salaries than they do in the U.S.

The good news in all of this is that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is talking about expanding and wants to have 16 WNBA teams by 2028—which, again is four more than currently exist, AP News says.

The WNBA season kicks off on May 14. Show off your team pride below!

Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever Nike Men's WNBA T-Shirt

Show off your Caitlin Clark pride in this official Indiana Fever t-shirt. The women's version is nearly sold out, but you can get your hands on this men's version in sizes S-XXL.

Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever Nike Men's WNBA T-Shirt

Want to add more flair to your CC collection? This men's tee recognizes the "Caitlin Fever" sweeping the nation (and her new team).

Team 13 Nike Women's WNBA Crop T-Shirt

You can have pride for the entire league in this cute crop top.

A'ja Wilson Las Vegas Aces Victory Jersey

A'ja currently has the best odds at becoming the 2024 WNBA MVP, so be sure to get this champ's jersey now.

Brittney Griner Phoenix Mercury Victory Jersey

If you just devoured Brittney's memoir, her jersey is the perfect follow-up to show your pride for the star.

Sabrina Ionescu New York Liberty Victory Jersey

You might have been rooting for Sabrina Ionescu in this year's three-point contest against Steph Curry. You can continue to root for her (and the Liberty) with this black-green gradient jersey.

Watch More Women's Basketball T-Shirt

+1 to what the shirt says.

You Might Also Like

• Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream

• These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals