The 2024 WNBA free agency period is now underway, which means the long offseason is about to heat up. As of Jan. 21, teams are allowed to negotiate with players, though no deals can officially be signed until Feb. 1. Between now and then, there figures to be plenty of interesting speculation.
For much of the league’s history, free agency didn’t matter all that much. Key players rarely became free agents due to the length of contracts and the number of times a franchise could use the core designation. That all changed with the new collective bargaining agreement in 2020. Now, free agency is a key aspect of the calendar, just like any other league.
Already some major deals have been struck. Former MVP Jonquel Jones has agreed to re-sign with the New York Liberty, while reigning Most Improved Player Satou Sabally will be back with the Dallas Wings.
We’re still awaiting decisions from four other former MVPs: Breanna Stewart (2018, 2023), Elena Delle Donne (2015, 2019), Nneka Ogwumike (2016) and Candace Parker (2008, 2013). That’s in addition to seeing what the likes of Skylar Diggins-Smith and Brittney Griner will do.
One way or another, the league is going to shift this winter….
