Breanna Stewart Among WNBA Stars Tagged Franchise Player \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Breanna Stewart and several other WNBA stars received the franchise tag, preventing them from signing with other teams as free agents. This designation offers a one-year max salary but limits player movement. With free agency negotiations starting January 21, the WNBA landscape is poised for potential trades and team reshuffling.
WNBA Franchise Tags and Free Agency Quick Looks
- Breanna Stewart Cored: New York Liberty star and WNBA champion Breanna Stewart received her second consecutive franchise tag, ensuring her return.
- Other Players Tagged: Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Dallas), and Gabby Williams (Seattle) also received the core designation.
- Key Deadline: Teams have until January 21 to finalize franchise tags before free agent negotiations begin.
- Core Rules: The franchise tag offers a one-year qualifying deal at $249,244, preventing players from signing elsewhere.
- Trade Speculation: Dallas may trade Satou Sabally, who has expressed interest in leaving the Wings.
- Free Agency Highlights: Top unrestricted free agents include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, and Brittney Griner, who has hinted at staying with Phoenix.
Deep Look
As the WNBA gears up for the 2024 free agency period, several of its biggest stars have received the franchise tag, a designation that ensures their current teams maintain control over their contracts for the upcoming season. Headlining this group is New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, who helped lead her team to its first-ever WNBA championship last fall.
The franchise tag, also known as the core designation, offers a one-year qualifying contract at the league’s maximum salary of $249,244. While it prevents players from signing with other teams as unrestricted free agents, it also opens the door for potential trades, contract negotiations, and long-term extensions.
Breanna Stewart: Securing New York’s Core
For the second consecutive season, the Liberty used their franchise tag on Breanna Stewart, a move that cements their intent to build a dynasty around one of the league’s most dominant players. Stewart, a two-time WNBA champion and former MVP, played a pivotal role in delivering the Liberty’s first title in 2023.
Given her significance to the team, Stewart’s tagging came as no surprise. The forward has expressed her commitment to the Liberty, signaling her readiness to lead the team in its title defense.
Other Players Tagged with the Franchise Designation
Alongside Stewart, three other players were cored by their respective teams:
- Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces): A critical contributor to the Aces’ success, Plum’s franchise tag ensures the reigning champions retain one of their key offensive weapons.
- Satou Sabally (Dallas Wings): Sabally, an All-Star forward, has made it clear she does not intend to stay in Dallas. By tagging her, the Wings preserve the opportunity to trade her rather than lose her as an unrestricted free agent.
- Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm): The versatile forward has yet to announce whether she plans to return to Seattle, leaving questions about her future with the team.
How the Franchise Tag Works
Under the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), teams can apply the franchise tag to one player per season. The tag offers the player a one-year qualifying contract at the league’s maximum salary, but limits their ability to negotiate with other teams.
A player can only be tagged twice in their career, making this the final season Stewart can be cored by the Liberty under the current CBA, which expires after the 2024 season.
The core designation is a powerful tool for teams, allowing them to retain star players and maintain leverage in trade discussions or contract negotiations. For players, however, the tag can restrict their freedom to explore other opportunities in free agency.
Satou Sabally and the Trade Market
The franchise tag applied to Satou Sabally has generated significant speculation. The Dallas Wings forward has publicly expressed her desire to leave the team, creating a potential trade scenario.
By tagging Sabally, the Wings can now negotiate with other teams for assets in return, rather than losing their All-Star forward outright. This strategic use of the franchise tag highlights how teams can leverage the designation to retain control over valuable players while exploring trade opportunities.
Upcoming Free Agency Highlights
While the franchise tag secures certain players for their current teams, the 2024 free agency period still features a wealth of top talent. Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on January 21, though contracts cannot officially be signed until February 1.
Among the most notable unrestricted free agents:
- Nneka Ogwumike: The Los Angeles Sparks star and WNBA Players Association president could reshape the league’s balance of power depending on where she signs.
- Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones: Both players were instrumental in the Connecticut Sun’s postseason success and will draw significant interest.
- Brittney Griner: Though an unrestricted free agent, Griner has indicated her desire to remain with the Phoenix Mercury.
- Kelsey Mitchell and DeWanna Bonner: These two veterans are expected to command strong offers from teams seeking experienced contributors.
What’s Next for Teams and Players?
The franchise tag deadline is January 21, one day before free agent negotiations begin. During this time, teams will finalize their use of the core designation while preparing to engage in talks with top unrestricted free agents.
For players like Breanna Stewart, the tag ensures stability for the upcoming season while leaving room for potential long-term negotiations. For others, like Satou Sabally, the tag adds an element of intrigue, with trade possibilities looming large.
With the WNBA continuing to grow in popularity and competitiveness, the 2024 offseason promises to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory, setting the stage for a thrilling season ahead.
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