Free Agency Halted: WNBA, Union Strike Moratorium Deal

The WNBA and the WNBPA have agreed to a moratorium after the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement passed. This moratorium temporarily halts free agency but permits other league activities, such as players using team facilities, while negotiations continue. The previous CBA expired on Friday, and free agency technically began on Sunday, though the moratorium has postponed related deadlines, including the January 20 cutoff for qualifying offers.

A key issue in negotiations is the core designation, which grants a team exclusive rights to negotiate a one-year supermax contract with a player, similar to the NFL's franchise tag. Players can veto sign-and-trade deals and can only receive this designation twice in their careers. The determination of unrestricted free agency is particularly important this offseason due to the expansion draft for new teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.

The moratorium was initially proposed by the WNBA on Friday, but the players' union disputed certain language in the agreement. After the league agreed to the players' requested changes, the moratorium was finalized. Once a new CBA is reached, teams will be able to extend qualifying offers and core designations, and players can sign contracts.

Many veteran WNBA players, including stars like A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, are expected to enter free agency, anticipating more lucrative deals under a new CBA that may include improved revenue sharing.

#WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement #Free Agency Moratorium #January 20 Qualifying Offer Deadline #NFL Franchise Tag #Expansion Draft