WNBA free agency opens with stars tagged as new rules reshape league contracts and movement
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Apr 09, 2026, 03:48 IST
WNBA free agency opens with stars tagged as new rules reshape league contracts and movement
WNBA free agency opened with major stars quickly secured through the league’s “core” designation, highlighting the impact of the new collective bargaining structure. Players like Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Plum were among those tagged, locking in potential one-year deals worth up to $1.4 million. Other key players, including Kelsey Mitchell, Arike Ogunbowale and Ariel Atkins, were also retained by their teams. The tag allows franchises to maintain control while negotiating deals or exploring trades. Expansion teams like the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo made early moves by tagging Bridget Carleton and Marina Mabrey. With over 80 percent of veterans available and new rules limiting tag usage starting in 2027, this free agency period is expected to significantly reshape team rosters.
WNBA free agency officially opened with some of the league’s biggest stars getting locked in early through franchise tags. Sabrina Ionescu, Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Plum were all given the “core” tag by their teams, deals that could be worth up to $1.4 million for one year.
This tag gives teams full control in negotiations and guarantees players a supermax salary under the new system. It is a huge jump compared to previous seasons, where top players earned much less. The move shows how much the league’s pay structure has changed with the new agreement.
Several other stars also received the same tag. Kelsey Mitchell, Arike Ogunbowale, Allisha Gray, Ariel Atkins and Ezi Magbegor were all retained by their teams, making sure they stay put as free agency begins.
The franchise tag is mainly used to stop top players from leaving without compensation. Teams can still work out trades if needed, but this gives them the upper hand for now. At the same time, players can adjust their deals to help teams build stronger rosters under the new salary cap.
New expansion teams also made early moves. Portland Fire tagged Bridget Carleton after picking her first in the expansion draft, while Toronto Tempo did the same with Marina Mabrey.
The new rules will change things soon. From 2027, teams can only use the core tag twice on a player and only if they have fewer than seven years in the league. This is meant to give players more freedom in the future.
Free agency is expected to be very active this year, with more than 80 percent of veteran players available. Teams and players can start finalizing deals soon, with signings opening shortly after negotiations.
Training camp begins on April 19, and preseason games start on April 25, setting the stage for a busy and important season ahead.
This tag gives teams full control in negotiations and guarantees players a supermax salary under the new system. It is a huge jump compared to previous seasons, where top players earned much less. The move shows how much the league’s pay structure has changed with the new agreement.
Several other stars also received the same tag. Kelsey Mitchell, Arike Ogunbowale, Allisha Gray, Ariel Atkins and Ezi Magbegor were all retained by their teams, making sure they stay put as free agency begins.
The franchise tag is mainly used to stop top players from leaving without compensation. Teams can still work out trades if needed, but this gives them the upper hand for now. At the same time, players can adjust their deals to help teams build stronger rosters under the new salary cap.
New expansion teams also made early moves. Portland Fire tagged Bridget Carleton after picking her first in the expansion draft, while Toronto Tempo did the same with Marina Mabrey.
The new rules will change things soon. From 2027, teams can only use the core tag twice on a player and only if they have fewer than seven years in the league. This is meant to give players more freedom in the future.
Free agency is expected to be very active this year, with more than 80 percent of veteran players available. Teams and players can start finalizing deals soon, with signings opening shortly after negotiations.
Training camp begins on April 19, and preseason games start on April 25, setting the stage for a busy and important season ahead.