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.

Gabby Williams, who averaged a career-high 10.3 points last season, was designated as the Storm's core player and will not become an unrestricted free agent.

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

Gabby Williams will reportedly not become an unrestricted free agent, and the Storm will use their core designation on the sixth-year forward.

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. Other players receiving the franchise player designation include Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas),

Central New York native Breanna Stewart was one of a handful ... include Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Dallas) and Gabby Williams (Seattle). Teams have until next Monday — the day ...

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

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.

Between coring stars and sending qualifying offers, WNBA teams are gearing up for February's free agency period with early negotiations.

T he Seattle Storm have cored Gabby Williams, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton reported on Tuesday. That means that the versatile wing will be offered a one-year contract at the WNBA’s hig

The Seattle Storm designated forward Gabby Williams as a core player on Tuesday, ensuring she will not become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.