Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and McBride Strengthen Lynx Roster with New Contracts

The Minnesota Lynx announced multiple veteran signings as they shape their roster for 2026. Filmogaz.com’s Alexa Philippou reported a two-year, $2.4 million deal for guard Courtney Williams.

Confirmed signings and reporting

Filmogaz.com’s Ramona Shelburne later reported Kayla McBride agreed to a two-year contract. Forward Natasha Howard also signed for two years. These moves give the Lynx more veteran continuity heading into the next season.

Roster context and offseason losses

The team faces salary-cap constraints after a busy offseason. Several veterans entered unrestricted free agency, and Minnesota could not retain everyone.

The Lynx watched co-Defensive Player of the Year Alanna Smith sign elsewhere. Jessica Shepard and Natisha Hiedeman also left in free agency. The Portland Fire selected Bridget Carleton in the expansion draft.

What the new deals mean for 2026

Re-signing Williams and McBride provides a foundation for contention. As long as Napheesa Collier remains, Minnesota’s championship window stays open.

Observers even used the phrase McBride Strengthen Lynx Roster with New Contracts to sum up the club’s direction. Head coach and president of basketball operations Cheryl Reeve still has roster work ahead.

Player profiles

Courtney Williams

Williams earned her second All-Star nod last season. She averaged 13.6 points per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field.

She connected on 38.9 percent of her three-point attempts. Williams also led the team with 6.2 assists per game.

The 31-year-old guard can be streaky. She produced nine 20-point games and had 11 outings in single digits during 2025. Williams stands 5’8″ and can generate offense when defenses focus on Collier.

Kayla McBride

McBride was an All-Star in 2025, her second with Minnesota and fifth overall. She averaged 14.2 points per game while shooting 39.5 percent from three.

The 33-year-old made 103 three-pointers last season to lead the Lynx. Bridget Carleton ranked second in made threes, with 40 fewer than McBride.

Retaining McBride preserved crucial floor spacing for the offense. Losing both her and Carleton would have left a significant gap from beyond the arc.

Next steps for Minnesota

The Lynx now have veterans signed through 2026, though the full roster remains unfinished. Reeve must balance the cap while adding depth around Collier, Williams, McBride, and Howard.

The recent signings mark progress. They also signal that Minnesota expects to compete for a title next season.