The WNBA has seen significant growth in the past year, with rookie standouts like Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever leading the way. As the league expands, fans are eagerly anticipating the Free Agency period, where team rosters could undergo major changes.
This year’s free agency class features top players such as Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, Satou Sabally, and Kelsey Plum. However, the upcoming negotiation of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will play a crucial role in player decisions as they seek better opportunities and conditions.
Additionally, the introduction of new coaches at eight teams, including the Fever and the Sky, adds another level of intrigue to the free agency period. How these teams rebuild their rosters will be pivotal to their success in the upcoming season. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming WNBA free agency period.
Key dates of WNBA free agency period 2025
January 11-20: Teams have a window to extend “qualifying offers” to their restricted free agents. Teams can also designate certain players as “Core” players.
January 21: The “negotiation window” begins. Teams can engage in contract discussions with all free agents, but no official agreements can be signed.
February 1: The free agency signing period officially starts. Players can sign contracts with any team, and teams can submit “offer sheets” to restricted free agents.
Las Vegas Aces star Kelsey Plum becomes a free agent in 2025
What types of free agents are there?
Unrestricted Free Agent: Eligible to negotiate and sign a contract with any team in the league without restriction.
Restricted Free Agent: Can explore contract offers from any team, but their former team retains the right to match any offer they receive.
Reserved Free Agent: Players with less than three years of professional experience. Their former team has the exclusive right to negotiate a new contract, but only if they offer the player a “qualifying offer” (a specific salary threshold).
Suspended – Contract Expired: A rare situation where a player’s contract expires while they are suspended from play. Under the league’s rules, these players are considered to be “withholding services.”
Players entering free agency
New York Liberty: Breanna Stewart (unrestricted), Courtney Vandersloot (unrestricted), Kennedy Burke (unrestricted), Ivan Dojkic (reserved), Jaylyn Sherrod (reserved).
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