How unrivaled became the WNBA free agency center of all chatter, gossip and business – Blogging Sole

Medley, Florida – The day before Wgb Free agency from last Tuesday, several league decision -makers gathered under the same roof.

Inside the Wayfair Arena, AS de Las Vegas Coach Becky Hammon sat next to a basket with the president of the Nikki Fargas team on his left, looking at the end of the 3 × 3 league opening weekend. Dallas wings The members of the Front Office observed the action on the ground on their part. Seattle storm Brass sat on the ground in a corner of the exhibition courtyard, and the Los Angeles Sparks The representation was a few rows. THE Atlanta Dream The quota looked closer to Center short.

The WNBA teams showed up to support their players as well as the launch of a new league that could move historic intersane routines and keep more star players in the United States during the offseason. But there were other work in Florida: free agency negotiations officially started on Tuesday.

With practical, unequaled planning has become the epicenter of all gossip, gossip and competition.

“It’s the best place to be able to recruit free agents,” said Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha cloudWho plays on the unrivaled phantom basketball club.

The beginning stages of unrivaled horsesholes with Free WNBA Agency was not one of the original league objectives, the co-founder Napheesa Collier said. But it is undoubtedly added at the start of the buzz – Satou SaballyFor example, used her unequaled first media availability to share with the journalists she had said to the wings she wanted to be exchanged – and it is an increased convenience for free agents, coaches and MJs.

Courtney Vandersloot is a free WNBA free agent, playing with an unrivaled MIST basketball club. His first real free agency experience came after the Chicago SkyTitle of 2021. This offseason, she played in Russia, at UMMC Ekaterinburg, taking evening meetings remote after long training days. “It was late at night. You are counting on technology, hoping internet to work, “said Vandersloot. “It doesn’t seem very kind.”

NOW?

The WNBA teams have published in hotels in the Miami region, tightening meetings after unrivaled training and around players.

Eight free WNBA agents, including those in carrots and restricted, are on unrivaled lists. Sabally, Vandersloot, Alyssa Thomas,, Dijonai Carrington And Brittney Griner highlights the list. Others could also be in motion via trade. Jewell LoydA member of the Mist Basketball Club registered, is in moving to the AS, in a Deal which seems likely to have a domino effect Throughout the league.

Living the weekend of opening of concern, several players were light on the implications of being together in one place during the free agency. Vandersloot said anyone who had given him an IPA package “could be one step ahead” to recruit it. Sabally joked that she had already received a few cups of coffee.

Cloud said she wanted what was best for Sabally. But she added: “If it’s Phoenix, I will literally tell her that I will give up my apartment if she wants it too.”

As on February 1, date agreements can be announced, approaches, the reality of negotiations is looming and jokes have dissipated.

“It was a total change. People persist in the corridors, with full -fledged conversations, “said a player who has granted anonymity to speak freely about the recruitment process. “We will not like it anymore.”

The WNBA is preparing to enter its 28th season, but a robust free agency recruitment is still a relatively new part of winter. AS Guardian Chelsea Gray Said in an uninterrupted mini-documentary on his 2020 free agency: “You hear that this happens on the side of men. Why not have taken place on the side of women? Why not have people like: “Do you need to pilot it?” »»

There are two provisions, Istanbul, in Türkiye, has become the crossroads of the cycle like the New York Liberty,, Washington mysticsMinnesota Lynx and Storm tried to appear in the Breanna Stewart sweepstakes. A team traveling abroad has demonstrated its interest in establishing a relationship.

Now, unequaled is that the crossroads of the world of free agencies, and players can establish relationships between them. Peer connections are the advantages of everyone that gathers in one place.

“You can talk directly to other players and you can understand what type of resources, what is the importance of their team for the owners?” If you have an owner of a team that does not favor the female team, they will talk about it, and this is a place where I would (be) less likely to go, “said Sabally.

Players can pollinate their reflections on the facilities. Several players with unrivaled free agents, both free and players signed offers, said the subject appeared in the dining room, the sauna and the weight room.

“It was fun to hear players trying to join some players to join teams. You are also able to hear the experiences of others, ”said New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu said.

Not all franchises faded for Florida. Minnesota lynx Head coach and president of basketball Cheryl Reeve and deputy coach Eric Thibault was spotted during the Euroleague match last Wednesday between Fenerbahçe and Umana Reyer Venezia. Free agent Bigs Emma Meesseman and Tina Charles play for the Turkish club, as is the Minnesota striker Nina Milić.

But by the unequaled action on Friday evening, they had arrived in Florida.

Lynx guard Courtney Williams said that she did not intend to recruit free agents. But Williams admitted that it could change in an instant.

“If (Cheryl) gives me a call,” said Williams, “I’m going to start chatting.”

(Illustration: Dan GOLDFARB / Athletics; Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)