New York's Breanna Stewart, along with a few other WNBA players, has been designated with the franchise tag by their respective teams, preventing them from signing with other teams directly. The other players receiving this designation include Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Dallas), and Gabby Williams (Seattle).
Teams have until the day before negotiations begin to offer core designations to eligible players. By coring a player, the team provides a one-year qualifying offer at the WNBA's maximum salary of $249,244, thereby restricting the player from becoming a free agent.
Stewart, who played a pivotal role in securing the Liberty's first WNBA championship last season, was expected to be tagged by the team. Sabally expressed her intention to not continue playing in Dallas, prompting the Wings to core her, potentially opening up the option to trade her instead of losing her without compensation.
Plum and Williams have not yet disclosed their plans regarding returning to their respective franchises.
According to the current collective bargaining agreement, players can be given the franchise tag a maximum of twice. This marks the second consecutive season that Stewart has been cored by New York. Each team is allowed to designate one player with the franchise tag.
Free agent negotiations can commence on January 21, with official signings permitted from February 1 onwards. Notable unrestricted free agents include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, DeWanna Bonner, and Kelsey Mitchell. Brittney Griner, another unrestricted free agent, has previously expressed her desire to play solely for Phoenix.
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