Roster Cuts in the WNBA
The current state of team rosters is quite intense, to put it mildly. Recently, teams have been reducing their player counts to about 11 or 12, making it really hard to keep track of who’s in and who’s out. It’s almost easier to think about who made the final cut than to list everyone who didn’t.
Given the volume of cuts, it would take forever to list them all, so let’s focus on a few of the most surprising ones from this week.
Deja Kelly – Las Vegas Aces
Deja Kelly signed a training camp deal with the Las Vegas Aces after not being picked in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Rather than being just another camp player on the chopping block, she caught the eye of fans and staff during her preseason appearances. In a game against the Phoenix Mercury, she notably scored 15 points, even hitting the game-winner.
Despite the Aces’ desire to keep her, they faced roster and salary cap constraints that made it impossible. Both Dana Evans and Kierstan Bell have guaranteed contracts, leaving no room for cuts. Unfortunately, the mix of rookies and financial limitations meant Kelly’s impressive preseason didn’t help her secure a spot.
Serena Sandel – Seattle Storm
Sandel was picked 26th in the 2025 WNBA Draft, which was lower than many had anticipated. Known for her playmaking and defensive skills, she had the potential to thrive in the league. However, less-than-ideal performance during the preseason, combined with contract issues surrounding Arashi, meant she couldn’t secure a place on the final roster.
Arashi had to keep Katie Lutha Muelson’s salary on the books, as injuries during training camp limited their available cap space. This situation highlights how rigid WNBA pay and roster rules can hinder young talent from developing effectively.
Shyanne Sellers – Atlanta Dream
Shyanne Sellers was once considered a likely first-round draft pick but ended up being selected 17th by the Golden State Valkyries. Shortly after training camp started, she was released by the Valkyries and then picked up on an exemption by the Atlanta Dream. There was some speculation regarding a knee injury she was dealing with, but both she and the team assured everyone she was healthy and ready to go to Georgia.
She participated in one preseason game with Atlanta before facing cuts again within a week. The exact reasons behind her being cut, especially regarding her knee issues, remain unclear, though that uncertainty has fueled much of the speculation surrounding her situation.
