By: Sydney Baird

When the WNBA free agency period heats up, front offices, agents, and players become involved in complex negotiations, salary cap management, and roster reshuffling. The talent pool is deeper than ever. 

The Salary Cap

The WNBA operates under a hard salary cap, which means no team can exceed the set spending limit. For the 2024 season, each team was allowed a maximum payroll of $1.462 million. With some of the top players reaching the maximum $234,936, general managers must strategically allot funds across their rosters. “Every dollar counts,” one league executive said. “You have to decide if you want two superstars and fill the rest of the roster with role players or take a more balanced approach.”

Unrestricted vs. Restricted Free Agents

There are different categories that WNBA free agents fall into. An Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) is free to sign with any team without restriction. But a Restricted Free Agents (RFA) is that their current team has the right to match any offer they receive. Core Players are like the NBA’s franchise tag, a team can designate one player as “cored” to retain exclusive negotiating rights for one year. The last one is Reserved Players which are those with fewer than three years of service are bound to their current team unless released.

The Art of the Deal

Official negotiations started in late January, but informal discussions often start way before that. Agents explore potential teams that have a landing sport for their clients while the front offices assess needs and budgets. Some of the WNBA teams pursue sign-and-trade deals which allows them to offload contracts while acquiring new talent. “Conversations never really stop,” WNBA agent said. “You’re always gauging interest and seeing where the best fit is.”

The Impact of Free Agency

Free agency reshapes the league’s power structure every year. Super teams emerge, rebuilding franchises acquire rising stars, and as championship contenders add the final pieces to their puzzles. For the fans it’s an exciting time for them to see all the changes and see who is added to their favorite teams or if their favorite player will end up somewhere else. 

As the 2025 season approaches, teams have made some big moves behind closed doors. They set the stage for another competitive year for the WNBA. One thing is for sure- every team has a chance to raise the trophy.  

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