The Biggest WNBA Free Agent Stories of All Time

The WNBA free agency world has some of sports history’s most electrifying, shocking, and transformational stories. Over the last decade, the free agency system has transformed the league, where stars make bold moves, teams strategize for championships, and fans obsessively follow every development in the landscape. The year 2024 marked a significant shift for the franchises. Players like Natasha Cloud shifted to Phoenix Mercury from Washington Mystics, while Skylar Diggins-Smith and Tina Charles returned to their teams. After a year of not playing professional basketball, the WNBA stars returned to their home franchises.

The following article will explore the same changes, but the equations will differ significantly from the previous year. The league has earned fame, and it will expect a surge in the popularity of the game. So, let’s get on with it with the available candidates for the change.

WNBA Free Agents

No process is without frenzy, and the WNBA Free Agent market is not so different from others. It’s an active market where many players transfer between teams and change the playing field with every off-season. From superstars to role players, they navigate unrestricted, restricted, and undrafted free agency at every off-season. Their actions influence team strategies and engage fans in melodrama while viewers watch the construction of championship lineups.

Since the expansion draft of Golden State Valkyries’ is already set and the WNBA draft round has been completed, the league is set for the offseason moves. The free agent market is again carrying significant names like Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Nneka Ogwumike, and Satou Sabally, among others. As per the CBS record, the following are the key events to follow during the exciting WNBA free agency period:

• Jan. 11-20: Teams will announce the “core” player designations while making initial offers to the players who qualify for the role
• Jan. 21: The players who will show interest in the teams will start bargaining with the franchises to reach a mutual consensus. However, during this period, no player can officially make a deal.
• Feb. 1: From this date, the WNBA players can officially file for the sheet and sign the deal that they would agree on with the franchises.

Breanna Stewart

Position: Forward
Team: New York Liberty
Stats: 20.4 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 3.5 APG (2024 season)
After signing with the New York Liberty in 2023, Breanna Stewart quickly gained attention. She left the Seattle Storm because she strongly desired to win more titles and join a super team. However, the current changes have again altered the scenario of the WNBA, as Breanna Stewart is an unrestricted free agent for the New York Liberty this year. But there is no confirmation that the concerned player will leave the franchise now.

Instead, the franchise might offer her a deal after some negotiations. Players like Stewart are in the twilight of their careers, so the franchises might be reluctant to provide all funds to a seasoned player. Instead, they would prefer to invest in younger players who can contribute significantly to the team during crucial moments.

Also Read: WNBA’s Highest Salary: Biggest Contracts in History

Brittney Griner

Position: Center
Team: Phoenix Mercury
Stats: 17.8 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.3 APG (2025 season)

After 11 seasons with the veteran WNBA athlete, it appears that the long-time franchise partner has made the decision to either reduce wages or part ways with Brittney Griner. The 2.06-meter giant women’s basketball player has not been able to make a comeback for a long time, and her stats have not improved over time. Even as a center, her rebounding is succumbing to age. For the last two years, her rebounding average has been between 6 and 7, as per the ESPN data. So Phoenix Mercury will surely want to induct someone with immediate addition to their championship ambitions in a two- or three-year haul.

Kelsey Plum

Position: Guard
Team: Las Vegas Aces
Stats: 17.8 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.6 RPG (2024 season)

An essential roster member that helped the Aces win a championship, the fact that Plum becomes a free agent in 2025 has sparked talk over her possible departure. She’s got all the qualities most GMs look for in a high-level scorer: the ability to score at will, perform under pressure, and create plays. Fans eagerly anticipate whether she will stay with the Aces or pursue opportunities with other teams. Plum is currently performing at the highest level compared to her entire tenure in the WNBA. She has above four average assists, which makes her an asset for any team.

But this time, Plum is trying to build upon her prime. As an unrestricted agent, she might explore other opportunities to get hold of a bigger signing amount in the league.

Nneka Ogwumike

Position: Forward
Team: Seattle Storm
Stats: 16.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.3 APG (2024 season)

Nneka Ogwumike was definitely an asset a year ago in the league. However, her point-scoring ability has declined significantly in the last year after spending 13 seasons in the league. There is a chance that the Seattle Storm might drop her, experiencing disappointment in the performance that they expected from the season WNBA athlete.

DeWanna Bonner

Position: Forward
Team: Connecticut Sun
Stats: 15.0 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.0 APG (2024 season)

DeWanna Bonner’s overall abilities have reduced, especially a year after joining the Connecticut Sun. She delivered her best during the 2020 WNBA season. However, after spending 15 seasons in the league, Bonner is on the verge of an adieu to the game. For now, she is in the Unrestricted Free Agent category, and it will be interesting to watch where she will head from here.

List of the WNBA Free Agents

Types of Free Agents

Unrestricted Free Agents

Unrestricted free agents (UFAs) can sign with any team without restrictions. These players often command significant attention during free agency, as their availability can dramatically alter team dynamics. Teams frequently engage in bidding wars to secure the services of top UFAs.

Restricted Free Agents

Restricted free agents get new suitors as they get offers from new teams. However, previous teams holding the players have the right to choose whether or not to match the offer made by the new team. Finding a balance between financial flexibility and organizational opportunities to retain top players is a massive task for teams.

Reserved Free Agents

Reserved free agents refer to athletes who fall under a category of less than three years of playing experience. The rights of these athletes are solely held by the existing team, which gives the teams the option to keep developing young players.

Suspended — Contract Expired

These players’ contracts have expired during their suspension, leaving their future uncertain. Teams and fans wonder whether they will return to the league or seek other opportunities.

WNBA Free Agent Tracker

For all fans, the WNBA free agency tracker remains a one-stop shop for what’s happening with player signings, roster changes, and contract terms. Fans can consult sources like Spotrac and CBS Sports to keep them updated as things happen with the league. Tracking these sources will thus help fans learn about the changing dynamics of free agency and their predictions for team organization for next season.

Upcoming WNBA Free Agents

The countdown for 2025 free agency is on as it is approaching. Rumors fly across the market for possible deals. Big names like Kelsey Plum, A’ja Wilson, and Jonquel Jones will surely grab attention. Most probably, teams would plan things right with their salary caps to have a competitive roster. With the upcoming crop of free agents, one can expect a lot of transfers that can shake up the league, making the forthcoming season worth watching.

Conclusion

The WNBA free agent market breathes life into the ever-expanding and increasingly popular world of the women’s game. Fans can expect a continuously changing atmosphere under which stars open new doors, franchises build legacies, and the frenzy of free agency continues to evolve. The free agent market will keep the enthusiasts checking on reliable trackers and reading player stories that help broaden their love for this game.

FAQs