The 2025 WNBA free agency period is nearly here, beginning on January 11 and continuing throughout the winter. The process follows a structure similar to the NBA’s free agency, with specific dates for different types of players, including core-eligible, reserved, and unrestricted free agents. Teams across the league will look to bolster their rosters, with the Indiana Fever expected to make significant moves.
Key Dates in WNBA Free Agency 2025
Here’s the schedule for WNBA free agency:
Jan. 11-20: Teams Extend Qualifying Offers to Core-Eligible or Reserved Players
During this period, teams are allowed to extend qualifying offers to core-eligible or reserved players. For the Indiana Fever, the only player affected by this timeframe is Kelsey Mitchell, who is core-eligible after completing her three-year extension with the Fever following the 2024 season.
The Fever can offer Mitchell a core qualifying offer starting on January 11, which would grant them exclusive negotiating rights in exchange for a one-year maximum contract (expected to be around $294,000). While Mitchell is allowed to talk to other teams, the Fever are under no obligation to let her do so.
Jan. 21: Teams Can Begin Negotiating with Free Agents
Starting on January 21, the Fever can begin negotiating with all available free agents, with the exception of players who have been cored by other teams. If Indiana wants to engage with a player who has been cored, such as Satou Sabally from the Dallas Wings (who is likely to receive a core designation), they would need permission from the Wings to proceed.
Additionally, the Fever can make offers to restricted free agents, but those offers can be matched by the players’ current teams.
Feb. 1: Players Can Officially Sign Contracts
On February 1, the free agency period will move to its next phase, with players officially signing contracts or offer sheets with their respective teams. However, teams won’t officially announce any signings until this date, as this is when contracts are officially cemented.
As the WNBA free agency period unfolds, it will be interesting to see how teams like the Indiana Fever build their rosters and make moves to compete in the 2025 season.
Indiana Fever’s Free Agency Plans
The Fever will be actively involved in the 2025 free agency, with two main goals: retaining All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell and adding more star power to pair with standout talents Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. Mitchell’s future with the team is a major point of focus, as the Fever look to solidify their roster heading into the new season.
