Oct 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half of game three of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The WNBA offseason enters its second stage today. After 10 days of extending qualifying offers to retain the rights of their own free agents, teams are now allowed to negotiate with everyone. Contracts cannot officially be finalized until Feb. 1, but deals will be agreed upon before then, if not signed on the dotted line.

WNBA season will already feature a new look from last year with the Golden State Valkyries playing their inaugural season and the schedule being expanded to a new regular-season high of 44 games per team.

As the WNBA enters free agency, Breanna Stewart and other stars who are eligible to talk to teams are signing new deals or being given the core designation by their teams this offseason.

New York’s Breanna Stewart was one of a handful of players who have been given the franchise tag by their WNBA teams, meaning they can’t sign a contract directly with anyone else

WNBA free agency has opened. With a new CBA expected to come into effect in 2026, expect to see players sign only one-year deals.

With the core designation, New York will officially take the biggest free agent off the market as the Liberty now have exclusive negotiating rights with Stewart.

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum is a noted absentee when the newly formed 3-on-3 Unrivaled Basketball League tips off its inaugural season on Jan. 17 in Miami, Florida.

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.

New York's Breanna Stewart was one of a handful of ... Other players receiving the franchise player designation include Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Dallas) and Gabby Williams (Seattle).

WNBA free agents can officially begin negotiating new contracts and rumors are already buzzing about several big trades. Where will everyone land?f

Thomas was one of the top free agents on the market this winter — she was named to the First Team All-WNBA in each of the last two seasons, averaging 10.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 7.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game last year. She’s also the league’s all-time leader in triple-doubles and one of its most impactful defenders.