The upcoming 2025 WNBA free agency period will begin on January 11 and run throughout the winter. Similar to the NBA’s free agency, there are specific dates for different types of players, including core-eligible, reserved, and unrestricted free agents. Teams, including the Indiana Fever, will be looking to enhance their rosters by making significant moves.
Key Dates in WNBA Free Agency 2025
Here is the schedule for WNBA free agency:
Jan. 11-20: Teams Extend Qualifying Offers to Core-Eligible or Reserved Players
During this timeframe, teams can offer qualifying offers to core-eligible or reserved players. For the Indiana Fever, Kelsey Mitchell is the only player affected by this period as she is core-eligible after her three-year extension with the Fever in 2024.
Starting on January 11, the Fever can offer Mitchell a core qualifying offer, giving them exclusive negotiating rights for a one-year maximum contract (estimated at $294,000). Although Mitchell can talk to other teams, the Fever are not obligated to allow her to do so.
Jan. 21: Teams Can Begin Negotiating with Free Agents
From January 21 onwards, the Fever can negotiate with all available free agents except for those who have been cored by other teams. If Indiana wants to engage with a cored player like Satou Sabally from the Dallas Wings, they would need approval from the Wings to proceed.
Furthermore, the Fever can make offers to restricted free agents, but their current teams can match those offers.
Feb. 1: Players Can Officially Sign Contracts
On February 1, the free agency period moves to the next phase as players can officially sign contracts or offer sheets with their respective teams. Teams will not announce any signings until this date, as contracts are officially finalized then.
As the WNBA free agency unfolds, it will be intriguing to see how teams like the Indiana Fever shape their rosters and make moves for the 2025 season.
Indiana Fever’s Free Agency Plans
The Fever will actively participate in the 2025 free agency with two main objectives: keeping All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell and adding more star power to complement standout talents Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Mitchell’s future with the team is a crucial focus as the Fever aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
