The upcoming WNBA free agency period is poised for significant changes with a new team joining the league and ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. This article explores the complexities of the WNBA's salary cap, roster exceptions, and player contract designations, shedding light on how these factors will shape the landscape of the league.
WNBA free agency kicks off in February when players can begin to sign new deals, potentially reshaping the league's landscape. In 2025, the league welcomes a new team, the Golden State Valkyries, with the Toronto Tempo and an unnamed Portland franchise set to follow in 2026. The WNBA 's salary cap operates with unique nuances and roster exceptions , dictated by its current collective bargaining agreement ( CBA ) in effect since 2020.
Currently, the WNBA and the WNBPA, the players' union, are locked in negotiations for a new CBA. Players opted out of the current agreement in October, just before a November 1st deadline. While the current CBA remains in force until October 31st, 2025, both sides have until the end of the year to reach a new deal. Players seeking new contracts for the 2025 season are likely to sign one-year deals to retain the right to sign a new contract once a new CBA is implemented, potentially leading to higher salaries. However, for now, the existing rules, exceptions, and maximum salaries remain in place for the 2025 season. The WNBA's salary cap represents the maximum amount a team can spend on all players combined. Under the current CBA, the salary cap increases by 3% annually, making its specific amount fluid based on the season. Teams finishing the season below the minimum salary threshold are required to make payments to their players. To build a WNBA roster, teams must have a maximum of 12 players and a minimum of 11 throughout the season. If a team falls below the minimum roster size, they must sign another player within 72 hours. The WNBA has both minimum and maximum player salaries, each with two different levels based on a player's years of service. Players accrue a year of service each season they are on an active roster for at least one day during the regular season, excluding those on seven-day or replacement contracts. Both maximum and minimum player salaries increase annually, mirroring the full team salary cap increase. For the 2025 season, the minimum player salary stands at $66,079 for players with two or fewer years of service and $78,831 for players with three or more years of service. Maximum contracts offer both a regular and 'supermax' level. Players can qualify for a supermax deal through various means, primarily incentivizing retention with their previous team. Players signing an extension to their rookie contract become eligible for a supermax. Free agents with five or more years of service who re-sign with their previous team also qualify. Players drafted this year or those without a previous WNBA contract sign rookie scale contracts. Salaries during rookie scale deals depend on the draft pick number or round, or if they went undrafted. While WNBA free agency officially begins on February 1st, the process starts earlier. Contract negotiations can commence on January 15th, but signings are only permitted during the official free agency period in February. Before negotiations, players can accept qualifying offers, becoming restricted free agents once the window opens. Qualifying offers, extended by previous teams, place restrictions on players during free agency. Restricted free agents can negotiate with any team, but their previous team has the right to match any contract they agree to with another team. If the previous team matches the offer, the restricted free agent remains with the matching team. Unrestricted free agents have the freedom to negotiate and sign with any team, as no team holds their rights. The WNBA has unique designations impacting free agency and the season. One is the 'core player' designation, granting a player a one-year guaranteed deal at the current supermax salary. Core players cannot sign directly with another team but can be traded. Players can only hold the core designation for two seasons throughout their careers. Another designation is 'reserved' contracts. Players with three or fewer years of service on an expiring contract can become 'reserved' through a one-year offer at the minimum base salary level specific to their playing experience. Although the current WNBA CBA won't last long, it will significantly influence this offseason, particularly with the addition of a new team
WNBA Free Agency Salary Cap CBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Roster Exceptions Player Contracts Core Player Reserved Contract
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