The impact of the transfer portal can be felt all around the basketball landscape, and that includes the women's Final Four. It's one contributing factor why the same four teams that reached the Final Four in 2025 are back in 2026. Each one has reached into the transfer portal whether to get a pivotal starter or a just-as-important role player. Gone are the days where programs would only build through getting top high school players. Players enter the transfer portal for different reasons, but teams often sign them for immediate success. lately being able to earn more money through revenue sharing or name, image and likeness deals has become high on that list.