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

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

As the WNBA enters free agency, Breanna Stewart and other stars who are eligible to talk to teams are signing new deals or being given the core designation by their teams this offseason.

The Aces are placing the “core” player designation on the two-time champion and three-time All-Star, per Las Vegas Review-Journal's Callie Fin. For the time being, Plum is under contract for one-year at $249,

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) warms up before game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images / Wendell ...

Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum is a noted absentee when the newly formed 3-on-3 Unrivaled Basketball League tips off its inaugural season on Jan. 17 in Miami, Florida.

As WNBA free agency opens up, Kelsey Plum is one of the top free agents on the market. However, the Golden State Valkyries could make a big splash and try to trade for the all-star guard. For Golden State, this is the inaugural season for the franchise. They completed their expansion draft but could look to land a big name.

Oct 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) drives past New York Liberty forward Jonquel Jones (35) during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

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.

The Las Vegas Aces placed the “core” designation on All-Star guard Kelsey Plum on Saturday with the WNBA free agency period set to open.

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.

Central New York native Breanna Stewart was one of a ... Other players receiving the franchise player designation include Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Dallas) and Gabby Williams ...