The 2025 WNBA free agency period is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in league history. With several high-profile players on the market, teams will be jockeying for positions to secure game-changing talent. In this article, we’ll spotlight the top 5 WNBA free agents to watch, their accomplishments, potential landing spots, expected salaries, and how the emerging Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League could influence their futures.
1. Breanna Stewart
Why She’s a Top Free Agent
Breanna Stewart, a former MVP and cornerstone of the New York Liberty, is one of the most dominant forwards in WNBA history. Known for her scoring versatility, defensive prowess, and leadership, Stewart led the Liberty to their first-ever championship in 2024. Her ability to excel on both ends of the court makes her a must-have for any title-contending team.
Potential Teams
- Likely to stay with the Liberty under a core designation.
- Contenders like the Seattle Storm could make a play to bring her back to where her career began.
Expected Salary and Endorsements
- Stewart is expected to command the WNBA supermax salary, currently capped at $241,984 annually.
- With lucrative endorsements from Puma and other brands, her off-court earnings far outweigh her on-court salary, estimated at over $1 million annually.
Impact of Unrivaled League
Stewart’s established career may not be directly influenced by the Unrivaled League, but its growing prominence could add pressure on the WNBA to offer more competitive salaries.
2. Kelsey Plum
Why She’s a Top Free Agent
As one of the league’s most dynamic guards, Kelsey Plum is a scoring machine with an innate ability to create plays. Her leadership and energy on the court have been crucial to the Las Vegas Aces’ success.
Potential Teams
- Could re-sign with the Aces to maintain continuity.
- Teams like the Chicago Sky or Washington Mystics may seek her scoring prowess to bolster their backcourts.
Expected Salary and Endorsements
- Likely to receive a supermax deal, making her one of the highest-paid players in the league.
- Endorsements from brands like Nike and Gatorade push her total earnings to an estimated $750,000 annually.
Impact of Unrivaled League
The league’s innovative approach to player compensation could give Plum leverage in contract negotiations, as the WNBA works to retain its stars.
3. Nneka Ogwumike
Why She’s a Top Free Agent
Nneka Ogwumike’s veteran presence and leadership make her invaluable. The 2016 MVP has consistently performed at an elite level and is a cornerstone for any franchise looking to compete.
Potential Teams
- Likely to stay with the Los Angeles Sparks, a team she has been synonymous with throughout her career.
- Teams like the Atlanta Dream could be an option if Ogwumike seeks a new challenge.
Expected Salary and Endorsements
- Expected to sign a max or near-max contract.
- Ogwumike’s endorsement deals with Adidas and local partnerships elevate her annual income significantly.
Impact of Unrivaled League
As President of the WNBA Players Association, Ogwumike’s decisions may be influenced by her broader goal to elevate women’s basketball as a whole, potentially using her platform to support both leagues.
4. Alyssa Thomas
Why She’s a Top Free Agent
Alyssa Thomas is a triple-double machine, known for her defensive tenacity, rebounding, and playmaking. She consistently impacts games in ways that don’t always show up on the stat sheet, making her one of the league’s most versatile players.
Potential Teams
- Likely to remain with the Connecticut Sun, where she has been a leader.
- The Dallas Wings or Minnesota Lynx could offer her a lucrative deal to add experience to their rosters.
Expected Salary and Endorsements
- Expected to earn a max contract in the $200,000+ range.
- Thomas’s endorsements, while not as high-profile as others, are steadily growing as her reputation as an all-around player increases.
Impact of Unrivaled League
Thomas could benefit from the Unrivaled League’s focus on smaller rosters and player visibility, potentially raising her market value even further.
5. Satou Sabally
Why She’s a Top Free Agent
Satou Sabally has emerged as one of the most promising young forwards in the league. With her ability to shoot from range, drive to the basket, and defend multiple positions, Sabally’s potential makes her a highly sought-after free agent.
Potential Teams
- The Dallas Wings are expected to make every effort to re-sign her.
- The Indiana Fever or Phoenix Mercury could pursue Sabally to rebuild their franchises around her.
Expected Salary and Endorsements
- Likely to earn a lucrative long-term contract close to the max.
- Her endorsement portfolio is growing, particularly with European brands, thanks to her international roots.
Impact of Unrivaled League
As a younger player, Sabally might consider leveraging the Unrivaled League to secure additional playing opportunities and financial stability during the off-season.
Offseason Preparations: How These WNBA Free Agents Are Gearing Up
The offseason is a critical time for athletes to refine their skills, recover from the rigors of the season, and prepare for what’s next. For the top WNBA free agents, their offseason activities provide insight into their dedication and potential impact in 2025. Here’s what some of the most promising free agents have been up to:
Breanna Stewart
- Global Advocacy and Training: Stewart spent part of her offseason traveling internationally, not just to promote women’s basketball but also to train with top-tier coaches in Europe. She participated in a training camp in Spain, focusing on enhancing her mid-range game and defensive strategies.
- Strength and Recovery: Known for her meticulous preparation, Stewart has incorporated advanced recovery methods, including cryotherapy and Pilates, to maintain her elite fitness.
- Off-Court Ventures: Stewart has been actively working on expanding her brand, including a new partnership to launch a signature shoe line with Puma.
Kelsey Plum
- Fine-Tuning Offense: Plum has been laser-focused on her offensive game, working with NBA trainers to improve her shot release and add new dribble moves. Even backing out of the Unrivaled Tournament. Her goal? To become an even bigger scoring threat.
- Leadership Training: As a key player for the Aces, Plum has also attended leadership seminars to enhance her ability to guide her teammates on and off the court.
- Community Engagement: Plum has remained active in the Las Vegas community, hosting youth basketball clinics and using her platform to inspire the next generation.
Nneka Ogwumike
- Film Study and Strategy: A student of the game, Ogwumike has spent countless hours analyzing game film to identify areas for improvement. She’s also been studying her potential new teammates and opponents, ensuring she’s prepared for any scenario.
- Conditioning and Mobility: To stay at peak performance, Ogwumike has been working with renowned trainers on improving her lateral quickness and overall mobility.
- Mentorship: As a veteran, Ogwumike has taken younger players under her wing during offseason scrimmages, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the league.
Alyssa Thomas
- Endurance and Versatility: Known for her all-around game, Thomas has been focusing on endurance training, ensuring she can continue to be a triple-double threat every night. She’s also worked on expanding her shooting range, adding a consistent three-point shot to her arsenal.
- Rehabilitation Focus: After a demanding season, Thomas has prioritized physical therapy to ensure her body is ready for another intense campaign.
- International Play: Thomas has participated in international exhibitions, playing against some of the best talents globally to sharpen her skills.
Satou Sabally
- Skill Development: Sabally has been working with shooting specialists to improve her consistency from beyond the arc. Her goal is to become a more versatile scorer who can stretch the floor.
- Strength Training: With an emphasis on adding muscle, Sabally has been hitting the gym to become a more physical presence in the paint.
- Cultural Outreach: As an international star, Sabally has used the offseason to connect with her global fanbase, hosting camps in Germany and inspiring young athletes.
How These Preparations Impact 2025
These offseason efforts show that the top WNBA free agents are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. From skill development and recovery to off-court leadership and brand-building, these players are setting themselves up for standout performances in the 2025 season.
As they enter free agency, their preparation not only enhances their value to potential teams but also sets a standard for what it takes to excel at the highest level of women’s basketball. With such dedication, it’s clear that the WNBA is poised for one of its most competitive seasons yet.
How Unrivaled Can Shape the Future of WNBA Free Agents
The Unrivaled Women’s Basketball League is rapidly changing the landscape of women’s basketball by offering competitive salaries, equity stakes, and increased visibility. For players like Plum and Sabally, it provides additional leverage during contract negotiations. For veterans like Ogwumike, it represents an opportunity to shape the future of the sport.
However, the WNBA remains the pinnacle of competitive women’s basketball, and players must balance the prestige of the league with the financial opportunities Unrivaled provides.
What to Expect in the 2025 WNBA Season
The 2025 WNBA free agency class is stacked with talent, and the decisions made by these five players will have a profound impact on the league. From Breanna Stewart’s dominance to Satou Sabally’s emerging stardom, the future of women’s basketball is bright. With the added influence of the Unrivaled League, the stakes are higher than ever, making this an exciting time for fans and players alike.
Stay tuned as these WNBA free agents reshape the competitive landscape and elevate women’s basketball to new heights!
