01/14/25 05:16:00
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01/14 16:58 CST Breanna Stewart given franchise tag by New York Liberty for
second straight year
Breanna Stewart given franchise tag by New York Liberty for second straight year
By DOUG FEINBERG
AP Basketball Writer
New York's Breanna Stewart was one of a handful of players given the franchise
tag by their WNBA teams, meaning they can't sign a contract directly with
anyone else.
Other players receiving the franchise player designation include Kelsey Plum
(Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Dallas) and Gabby Williams (Seattle).
Teams have until next Monday --- the day before players and teams can begin
negotiating --- to offer core designations to eligible players. By coring a
player, the team gives them a one-year qualifying offer at the WNBA's maximum
salary of $249,244. It prevents the player from signing with another team as a
free agent.
Stewart helped bring the Liberty their first WNBA championship last fall and
the franchise tag was not a surprise. She planned on returning to the team.
Sabally said last week that she didn't plan on playing in Dallas any longer,
and by coring her the Wings can potentially trade her instead of just losing
their star while getting nothing in return.
Plum and Williams haven't said yet whether they want to return to play for
their franchises.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, which expires after next
season, players can be given the franchise tag a maximum of twice. This is the
second straight season that Stewart has been cored by New York. Teams are
allowed to give one player the franchise tag.
Teams can begin negotiating with free agents on Jan. 21, but can't officially
sign them until Feb. 1.
Top unrestricted free agents include Nneka Ogwumike, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna
Jones, DeWanna Bonner and Kelsey Mitchell. Brittney Griner is an unrestricted
free agent as well, but has indicated in the past she only wanted to play for
Phoenix.
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
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