Under the new collective bargaining agreement with the NWSL Players Association, the NWSL kicked off its 2026 free agency period on July 1 with a list of all the players eligible for free agency next year. These players can now begin negotiating contract terms with teams.
Thirteen Seattle Reign players were included in the 2026 free agent list:
- Lauren Barnes
- Ryanne Brown
- Ana-Maria Crnogorčević
- Jess Fishlock
- Hanna Glas
- Angharad James-Turner
- Veronica Latsko
- Julia Lester
- Emily Mason
- Maddie Mercado
- Maddie Prohaska
- Ji So-yun
- Lily Woodham
Cassie Miller and Sam Meza were set to be on this list. However, the Reign announced on Monday that Meza signed a new contract through 2028, and Miller's option was exercised for the 2026 season — keeping her in Seattle for another year.
Most of the 13 players on the free agent list are older veterans, including two Reign originals in Jess Fishlock and Lauren Barnes. Four players are currently representing their countries in the UEFA Women's EURO: Fishlock, Angharad James-Turner, and Lily Woodham for Wales and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević for Switzerland. It is unclear if Woodham will rejoin the Reign after the tournament.
Susie Rantz
Just because a player is on this list as of July 1 doesn't mean they won't return to the Reign next season. Thanks to the CBA, these players now have more time to consider their future, discuss their options with their club, and explore opportunities with other teams both within NWSL and in other leagues.
Other big names on the NWSL 2026 free agent list include Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson, Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, Gotham forward Midge Purce, and Kansas City players Bia Zaneratto and Lo'eau LaBonta.
With the Reign finalizing long-term contracts with young players over the past two years, the club has demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in the future. It's already paying off, with Emeri Adames and Maddie Dahlien currently leading the team in goals scored. That could mean, however, that fans might want to prepare for more turnover in the team's veteran players. Only time will tell.
