WNBA Stars Receive Franchise Tags Ahead of Free Agency

Kelsey Plum, Sabrina Ionescu, and Napheesa Collier among players given exclusive negotiating rights by their teams.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:04am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms abstracted into sharp, overlapping shapes in a vibrant color palette.The WNBA's top stars remain with their teams as the league enters a new era of growth and rising player salaries.Seattle Today

Several top WNBA players, including Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks, Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty, and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, have been extended franchise tags by their teams as free agency opens. The tags guarantee the players a one-year supermax deal worth $1.4 million, more than five times the previous top salary.

Why it matters

The franchise tag gives teams exclusive negotiating rights with their star players, preventing them from leaving in free agency without compensation. This move ensures these marquee talents will remain with their current franchises as the WNBA continues to grow in popularity and player salaries rise under the new collective bargaining agreement.

The details

In addition to Plum, Ionescu, and Collier, other players receiving the 'core' franchise tag include Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell, Dallas' Arike Ogunbowale, Atlanta's Allisha Gray, Chicago's Ariel Atkins, and Seattle's Ezi Magbegor. Expansion teams Portland and Toronto also extended franchise tags to their first-round draft picks, Bridget Carleton and Marina Mabrey, respectively.

  • WNBA free agency began on April 9, 2026.
  • The franchise tag designation period started on April 7, 2026.
  • Training camp is scheduled to begin on April 19, 2026, with the first preseason games on April 25.

The players

Kelsey Plum

A star guard for the Los Angeles Sparks and a product of the University of Washington.

Sabrina Ionescu

An elite point guard for the New York Liberty.

Napheesa Collier

An All-Star forward for the Minnesota Lynx.

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What’s next

Players can negotiate different terms with their teams to help fit other signings under the new $7 million salary cap. Negotiations will take place from April 12-14, with players able to start signing on April 15.

The takeaway

The franchise tag designations for top WNBA players like Kelsey Plum, Sabrina Ionescu, and Napheesa Collier highlight the league's continued growth and the rising value of its star talent. These moves ensure the league's marquee names will remain with their current teams as the WNBA enters a new era under its latest CBA.