MIAMI — Brittney Griner is exploring the free agency market for the very first time in her professional career.
According to her agent, the All-Star center is set to begin meetings with various teams starting Tuesday. WNBA executives have gathered in Miami at the launch of Unrivaled, engaging with Griner and other free agents during this pivotal time.
While Griner has previously entered free agency, she has always chosen to re-sign with the Phoenix Mercury, the franchise that drafted her as the No. 1 pick back in 2013.
“I want to demonstrate my abilities during free agency,” Griner remarked about performing in the new league, which appears to favor guards and wing players over traditional post players.
Unrivaled features several top unrestricted free agents, including Griner and Courtney Vandersloot, along with a few individuals who, despite receiving franchise tags from their current WNBA teams, could likely find themselves in new jerseys next season.
“There’s a myriad of free agents here,” stated New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart. “It’s a convenient gathering to handle everything related to signings.”
The newly formed league offers a distinctive chance for free agents to forge connections on and off the court with key players from potential future teams.
“There are certainly discussions happening. Everyone is asking, ‘Hey, would you consider playing here?’” Vandersloot shared, noting that she has meetings lined up with several teams this week. “It’s fantastic as it permits you to gain sincere feedback about teams and gauge who might want to play alongside one another. We’re witnessing a significant period of player movement in the league.”
Amid the gathering, social activities like coffee dates and dinners are becoming common among a total of 36 players present. Vandersloot humorously suggested that a pack of IPA could serve as an effective recruiting tool.
“I do enjoy IPAs, so while it’s not a must-have, if you show up with a pack, you might have an edge,” she quipped, laughing.
Several prominent talents at Unrivaled who could change teams include Satou Sabally, Jewell Loyd, and Alyssa Thomas. While Sabally and Thomas have received franchise tags from their respective WNBA teams, the only way for them to switch teams would be through a trade.
Sabally has expressed her intentions not to return to the Dallas Wings next season, while Loyd is not currently a free agent but has officially requested a trade from the Storm.
“This is the prime venue for connecting with free agents,” declared Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud. “Ultimately, my priority is what is best for Satou and her future.”
As negotiations can begin officially on Tuesday, players are able to finalize contracts starting February 1. Most players are likely to sign one-year deals, particularly as a new collective bargaining agreement is anticipated to introduce major salary implications in 2026.
This season, the Connecticut Sun and newly established Golden State Valkyries have the most financial resources available to recruit free agents. The Sun, however, faces the risk of losing a considerable portion of its starting lineup to free agency, with DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones, and Thomas all potentially departing.
“There’s an abundance of factors to consider and process,” Thomas commented. “I’ll be weighing my options carefully.”
One notable free agent absent from Unrivaled is Diana Taurasi. The WNBA’s all-time leading scorer is still contemplating whether to retire or return for another season.
