WNBA: 8 French Players Are Free Agents Amidst Historic Changes

The WNBA is undergoing a monumental transformation thanks to its new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), set to revolutionize international women's basketball. Salaries are seeing a spectacular rise, with an average reaching approximately $600,000 and a minimum exceeding $300,000, a significant increase from previous figures ($120,000 average and $66,079 minimum in 2025 under old terms).

The offseason schedule is condensed: training camps are set to begin on April 19, followed by preseason games on April 25. Before these dates, an intense period between April 1 and 15 will see the expansion draft for new franchises — the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire — alongside the crucial free agency period and the collegiate draft.

From April 1 to 5, the 13 existing teams will determine and protect a group of players, expected to be around five per team, before the expansion draft on April 6. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will then alternately select from the unprotected players to build their initial rosters, aiming for 12 players each. A coin toss will likely determine which new team picks first.

The free agent market will open immediately after the expansion draft. Qualifying offers can be submitted to restricted free agents, reserved players, and core players on April 7 and 8. Official negotiations will commence on April 9, and players will be eligible to sign their new contracts starting April 12. This transfer period, typically much longer, promises to be historic with over 100 players without contracts, including superstars like former MVPs A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, as well as franchise cornerstones such as Allisha Gray and Khleah Copper.

Among the numerous free agents navigating these unprecedented changes, eight French players are notably impacted. Their projected 2025 salaries under the new structure are significant: Gabby Williams ($225,000), Bria Hartley ($78,831), Lou-Lopez Sénéchal ($74,675), Migna Touré ($66,079), Monique Akoa-Makani ($66,079), Janelle Salaün ($66,079), Marine Johannès ($66,079), and Iliana Rupert ($59,817).

Finally, the WNBA Draft will conclude this compacted offseason on April 13 in New York, marking the last major event before training camps. The Dallas Wings hold the first overall pick for the second consecutive year, and Nell Angloma from Lattes-Montpellier is projected by analysts to be selected at number seven.