When the 30th season of the WNBA tips off on May 8, five former Lady Vols basketball stars will be part of it.
Four of Tennessee's five active players were former first-round draft picks. There have been 48 Lady Vols drafted to the WNBA since its inception in 1996.
Rennia Davis, the No. 9 overall pick in 2021, and Zee Spearman, who was drafted No. 31 overall by the Dallas Wings in this year's draft, were also invited to training camps for the Seattle Storm and the Wings, respectively. Both players were waived before final rosters were released May 7.
Here's where all the former Lady Vols are playing in 2026 and how to watch their first games of the season.
Rickea Jackson was part of one of the bigger trades in the offseason. The Sparks, who drafted Jackson No. 4 overall in 2024, traded her to the Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins.
The 6-foot-2 forward averaged 14.7 points on 42.4% shooting last season, along with 3.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Jackson started in 37 of 38 games and shot 34.8% on 4.9 attempts from 3-point range per game.
Season opener: Chicago Sky at Portland Fire on May 9, 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV
Jordan Horston will soon make her return from a torn ACL that sidelined her for the 2025 season.
Horston was drafted No. 9 overall by the Storm in 2023. The 6-2 guard averaged 6.8 points on 49.3% shooting, 4.3 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals in 2024, when she started in 14 of 39 games.
Season opener: Seattle Storm vs. Golden State on May 8, 10 p.m ET on ION
Isabelle Harrison is the last active player in the WNBA to have played for legendary coach Pat Summitt. The 6-3 forward was drafted No. 12 overall in 2015 by the Phoenix Mercury.
Harrison played for the New York Liberty last season and averaged 10.6 minutes, 4.9 points, 2.6 rebounds. She signed with the Toronto Tempo as a free agent ahead of the organization's inaugural season as an expansion team.
Season opener: Toronto Tempo vs. Washington Mystics on May 8, 7:30 p.m. ET on ION
Tennessee Volunteers guard Mia Pauldo (13) high-fives Tennessee Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Alabama Crimson Tide won 76-64.Tennessee Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) reaches for the ball Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Alabama Crimson Tide won 76-64.Tennessee Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Vanderbilt guard Ava Black (8) during an NCAA college basketball game on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after scoring against Vanderbilt in an NCAA college basketball game on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) waves to the crowd during the senior day pregame festivities of the NCAA college basketball game against Vanderbilt on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Janiah Barker 0, LSU Tigers Womens Basketball take on the Tennessee Lady Vols. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.A Tennessee fan yells along with Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) before Barker heads to the free throw line during a NCAA basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19, 2026.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) makes a three with her hands after making a three-point basket during a NCAA basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19, 2026.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas on Feb. 15, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) waits for an opportunity to shoot while defended by Missouri guard Abbey Schreacke (23) in an NCAA college basketball game on Feb 12, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers shoots the ball while guarded by Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 08, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) drives to the basket during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 29, 2026.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts a shot past Mississippi State forward Madison Francis (40) during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 29, 2026.Tennessee's Deniya Prawl (25) celebrates with Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) during a game between the Lady Vols and Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2026. Tennessee defeated Kentucky.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrating after hitting a 3-point basket during an NCAA college basketball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on January 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) stays down after getting hurt in an NCAA college basketball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on January 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) and Arkansas guard Jada Bates (15) both try to get the rebound during an NCAA college basketball game on January 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee’s Janiah Barker (0) and Talaysia Cooper (55) against the Florida Gators on Jan. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) is fouled by Florida guard Laila Reynolds (13) on the rebound during an NCAA college basketball game on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) get the rebound over Florida guard Alexia Dizeko (9) in an NCAA college basketball game on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) moves the ball during an NCAA college basketball game against the Florida Gators on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee guard Kaniya Boyd (4) and forward Janiah Barker (0) tell teammates to get in position during an NCAA college basketball game against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Southern Indiana guard Ali Saunders (11) during an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Southern Indiana forward Amiyah Buchanan (24) gets the rebound before Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee’s Kaniya Boyd (4) and Janiah Barker (0) leave the court after the win over Southern Indiana in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Southern Indiana forward/center Chloe Gannon (45) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket during an NCAA college basketball game against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Laura Ziegler #0 of the Louisville Cardinals controls the ball as Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers defends during the 2025 Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 20, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 20: Laura Ziegler #0 of the Louisville Cardinals controls the ball as Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers defends during the 2025 Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 20, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers heads for the net as Laura Ziegler #0 of the Louisville Cardinals defends during the 2025 Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 20, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) tries to get to the basket while guarded by Winthrop guard Mya Pierfax (13) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell and forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) goes to the basket while guarded by Winthrop forward Tocarra Johnson (25) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volts celebrates after scoring a basket against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volts celebrates after scoring a basket against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) with the takeaway during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) moves past Coppin State guard Kyley Gary-Grayson (10) and Coppin State forward Shanaii Gamble (25) during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) knocks the ball away from Coppin State guard Skylar Barnes (5) during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) gets ready to drive to the basket as Middle Tennessee guard Blair Baugus (12) guards her during the NCAA women's basketball game on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) goes after a rebound as Middle Tennessee guard Macie Phifer (22) looks on during the NCAA women's basketball game on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.Tennessee Lady Volunteers coach Kim Caldwell on the sideline with Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA women's basketball game against Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) fights for the rebound ball between Belmont guard Tuti Jones (0) and Belmont guard Jailyn Banks (23) during a NCAA women's basketball between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Belmont Bruins at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 13, 2025.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) dribbles the ball in front of Belmont guard Quinn Eubank (22) during a NCAA women's basketball between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Belmont Bruins at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 13, 2025.Tennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell speaks with Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after converting an And-1 during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) is helped off the court after sustaining a leg injury during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) looks to the basket while guarded by ETSU guard SaBreya Monsanto (3) during an NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and East Tennessee State Buccaneers on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) holds her neck after taking a hit while driving to the basket during an NCAA college basketball game against ETSU on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) playfully sits on basketball coach Kim Caldwell while talking with Talaysia Cooper (55) during an NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and East Tennessee State Buccaneers on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) tries to get around ETSU guard SaBreya Monsanto (3) during an NCAA college basketball on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.1 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee Volunteers guard Mia Pauldo (13) high-fives Tennessee Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Alabama Crimson Tide won 76-64.1 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee Volunteers guard Mia Pauldo (13) high-fives Tennessee Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Alabama Crimson Tide won 76-64.2 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) reaches for the ball Thursday, March 5, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament second round game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. Alabama Crimson Tide won 76-64.3 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Vanderbilt guard Ava Black (8) during an NCAA college basketball game on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.4 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after scoring against Vanderbilt in an NCAA college basketball game on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.5 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) waves to the crowd during the senior day pregame festivities of the NCAA college basketball game against Vanderbilt on Mar. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.6 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellJaniah Barker 0, LSU Tigers Womens Basketball take on the Tennessee Lady Vols. Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.7 / 50Prep for March Madness with this year's Lady Vols basketball highlightsA Tennessee fan yells along with Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) before Barker heads to the free throw line during a NCAA basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19, 2026.8 / 50Prep for March Madness with this year's Lady Vols basketball highlightsTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) makes a three with her hands after making a three-point basket during a NCAA basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Feb. 19, 2026.9 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket during an NCAA college basketball game against Texas on Feb. 15, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.10 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) waits for an opportunity to shoot while defended by Missouri guard Abbey Schreacke (23) in an NCAA college basketball game on Feb 12, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.11 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellCOLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 08: Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers shoots the ball while guarded by Joyce Edwards #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on February 08, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)12 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) drives to the basket during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 29, 2026.13 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts a shot past Mississippi State forward Madison Francis (40) during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Mississippi State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Jan. 29, 2026.14 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee's Deniya Prawl (25) celebrates with Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) during a game between the Lady Vols and Kentucky at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., Jan. 22, 2026. Tennessee defeated Kentucky.15 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrating after hitting a 3-point basket during an NCAA college basketball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on January 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.16 / 50Prep for March Madness with this year's Lady Vols basketball highlightsTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) stays down after getting hurt in an NCAA college basketball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks on January 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.17 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) and Arkansas guard Jada Bates (15) both try to get the rebound during an NCAA college basketball game on January 11, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.18 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee’s Janiah Barker (0) and Talaysia Cooper (55) against the Florida Gators on Jan. 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee.19 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) is fouled by Florida guard Laila Reynolds (13) on the rebound during an NCAA college basketball game on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.20 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) get the rebound over Florida guard Alexia Dizeko (9) in an NCAA college basketball game on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.21 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) moves the ball during an NCAA college basketball game against the Florida Gators on January 1, 2026, in Knoxville, Tenn.22 / 50Prep for March Madness with this year's Lady Vols basketball highlightsTennessee guard Kaniya Boyd (4) and forward Janiah Barker (0) tell teammates to get in position during an NCAA college basketball game against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.23 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Southern Indiana guard Ali Saunders (11) during an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.24 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellSouthern Indiana forward Amiyah Buchanan (24) gets the rebound before Tennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.25 / 50Prep for March Madness with this year's Lady Vols basketball highlightsTennessee’s Kaniya Boyd (4) and Janiah Barker (0) leave the court after the win over Southern Indiana in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.26 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) attempts to score while guarded by Southern Indiana forward/center Chloe Gannon (45) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.27 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after hitting a 3-point basket during an NCAA college basketball game against Southern Indiana on Dec. 22, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.28 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellLaura Ziegler #0 of the Louisville Cardinals controls the ball as Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers defends during the 2025 Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 20, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.29 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellNEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 20: Laura Ziegler #0 of the Louisville Cardinals controls the ball as Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers defends during the 2025 Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 20, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)30 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellJaniah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers heads for the net as Laura Ziegler #0 of the Louisville Cardinals defends during the 2025 Women's Champions Classic at Barclays Center on December 20, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.31 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) tries to get to the basket while guarded by Winthrop guard Mya Pierfax (13) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.32 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee basketball coach Kim Caldwell and forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA college basketball game against Winthrop on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.33 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) goes to the basket while guarded by Winthrop forward Tocarra Johnson (25) in an NCAA college basketball game on Dec. 14, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.34 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volts celebrates after scoring a basket against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)35 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 30: Janiah Barker #0 of the Tennessee Lady Volts celebrates after scoring a basket against the UCLA Bruins at UCLA Pauley Pavilion on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luiza Moraes/Getty Images)36 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) with the takeaway during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.37 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) moves past Coppin State guard Kyley Gary-Grayson (10) and Coppin State forward Shanaii Gamble (25) during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.38 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) knocks the ball away from Coppin State guard Skylar Barnes (5) during a women's college basketball game between the Lady Vols and Coppin State held at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn., on Nov. 23, 2025.39 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) gets ready to drive to the basket as Middle Tennessee guard Blair Baugus (12) guards her during the NCAA women's basketball game on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.40 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) goes after a rebound as Middle Tennessee guard Macie Phifer (22) looks on during the NCAA women's basketball game on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.41 / 50Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady VolsTennessee Lady Volunteers coach Kim Caldwell on the sideline with Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker (0) during the NCAA women's basketball game against Middle Tennessee on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, at Middle Tennessee.42 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) fights for the rebound ball between Belmont guard Tuti Jones (0) and Belmont guard Jailyn Banks (23) during a NCAA women's basketball between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Belmont Bruins at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 13, 2025.43 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) dribbles the ball in front of Belmont guard Quinn Eubank (22) during a NCAA women's basketball between the Tennessee Lady Vols and Belmont Bruins at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Tenn. on Nov. 13, 2025.44 / 50Kim Caldwell, Tennessee women's basketball coach in second season with Lady VolsTennessee Head Coach Kim Caldwell speaks with Tennessee's Janiah Barker (0) during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.45 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee's Janiah Barker (0) celebrates after converting an And-1 during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.46 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee's Janiah Barker (0) is helped off the court after sustaining a leg injury during the Pat Summitt Classic between Tennessee versus UT-Martin inside Kathleen and Tom Elan Center in Martin. Tenn., on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.47 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) looks to the basket while guarded by ETSU guard SaBreya Monsanto (3) during an NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and East Tennessee State Buccaneers on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.48 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) holds her neck after taking a hit while driving to the basket during an NCAA college basketball game against ETSU on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.49 / 50Prep for March Madness with this year's Lady Vols basketball highlightsTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) playfully sits on basketball coach Kim Caldwell while talking with Talaysia Cooper (55) during an NCAA college basketball game between the Tennessee Lady Vols and East Tennessee State Buccaneers on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.50 / 50Janiah Barker, Tennessee women's basketball forward for Lady Vols, Kim CaldwellTennessee forward Janiah Barker (0) tries to get around ETSU guard SaBreya Monsanto (3) during an NCAA college basketball on November 7, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.Rae Burrell, G, Los Angeles SparksRae Burrell re-signed with the Los Angeles Sparks in free agency, although she was a reserved player and the Sparks held exclusive negotiating rights. Burrell averaged 18.4 minutes, 7.5 points on 43.3% shooting, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists last season. She also shot 32.8% on 2.4 attempts from 3-point range per game.
Los Angeles drafted the 6-2 guard with the No. 9 overall pick in 2022, although an injury limited her to three games that season. Burrell spent most of the 2023 season on a hardship contract with the Sparks before signing a two-year deal in 2024.
Season opener: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Las Vegas Aces on May 10, 6 p.m ET on USA Network
Janiah Barker was the first WNBA draft pick for Kim Caldwell. The 6-4 rookie forward was selected No. 29 overall by the Las Vegas Aces.
Barker started in 20 of 27 games for Tennessee this season. She averaged 14.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals in 23.9 minutes. Barker shot 46.5% from the field and 36.5% on 3.9 attempts from 3-point range per game.
Season opener: Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury on May 9, 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC
Cora Hall is the University of Tennessee women’s athletics reporter for Knox News. Email: cora.hall@knoxnews.com; X: @corahalll; Bluesky: @corahall.bsky.social. Support strong local journalism and unlock premium perks:knoxnews.com/subscribe