There’s been a noticeable increase in opportunities within the WNBA recently, which is quite different from just a few years back. The league has expanded from 12 to 15 teams and now allows for two additional development slots on each roster.
However, making it and staying on a roster still proves to be quite challenging. A recent trade underscores just how tough it is.
The Dallas Wings have cut free Darcy Fankam Menjiadou, a 26-year-old forward hailing from Cameroon. She was picked 21st overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft following her time at the University of South Florida. After spending 2023 and 2024 with the Seattle Storm, where she was originally drafted, Menjiadou had gone overseas before signing a development contract with the Wings last month. Unfortunately for her, that contract was terminated on Tuesday.
In another development, the Washington Mystics have waived Alex Wilson, a 32-year-old guard from Australia. Wilson made her WNBA debut this season, averaging 3 points and 1.8 rebounds in about 14.5 minutes across four games. Prior to this, she had spent the majority of her career in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League and had been recognized as an All-WNBL First Team player in 2024 and 2025.
Wilson had signed a training camp contract with the Chicago Sky last year, but was let go in May, then attended the Mystics’ training camp in April.
With these roster changes, the Wings now have room for player development, while the Mystics have some space available on their roster. It’s unclear who might fill the vacancies left by Menjiadou and Wilson.
Roster cuts appear to be happening frequently in the WNBA; six players were let go just last week. Some, like Haley Van Lith of the Connecticut Sun, managed to quickly secure new opportunities within the same team, as she’s currently on a developmental contract with the Sun.
Others have found their way back to different teams. For instance, guard Lexi Held was released by the Toronto Tempo but returned to the Phoenix Mercury, where she began her career. Yet, many players are still in limbo, waiting for their next shot. That’s the reality for numerous individuals in the WNBA trying to hold on to their place in the league.
