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

As expected, the Liberty designated Breanna Stewart as a core player this week. The news broke Tuesday, though the WNBA’s transaction page shows the move was dated Monday. 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 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),

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

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 ...

The Mist's Aaliyah Edwards (3) defends the Lunar Owls' Napheesa Collier (24) during the first half of the inaugural Unrivaled 3-on-3 basketball game Friday in Medley, Fla. (Brittany Peterson)

MIAMI — Napheesa Collier allowed herself a few moments during the player introductions Friday night before Unrivaled’s first game to take it all in.

The WNBA's Connecticut Sun put a core designation on free agent star Alyssa Thomas, but the veteran cold still demand a trade.

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

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