Over the past three offseasons, Liberty star Breanna Stewart has taken an unconventional and calculated approach to her WNBA contracts, opting for one-year deals instead of locking in a long-term agreement. In 2023, Stewart signed a one-year deal with the New York Liberty worth $205,000, the maximum amount allowed by the league’s salary cap. This was her second consecutive one-year contract with the Liberty, following her departure from the Seattle Storm.
At 30 years old, Stewart remains one of the top players in the WNBA, widely considered among the top three or four in the league. Her stellar performance last season, averaging 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds, helped lead the Liberty to the WNBA Finals, where they are currently locked in a 2-2 series against the Minnesota Lynx.
Despite her impressive resume and value on the court, Stewart has resisted the security of a long-term contract, choosing instead to maximize her earnings year by year.
Stewart’s decision is strategic, as she anticipates a larger financial opportunity in the near future. By signing short-term contracts, she positions herself to take advantage of future salary increases tied to the WNBA’s new media rights deal, which is expected to significantly boost player compensation.
However, this approach comes with risks. Stewart has already dealt with a major injury in her career, tearing her Achilles tendon in 2019, and taking one-year deals means she sacrifices the long-term stability that a multi-year contract could offer. Still, she remains confident in her choice.
“I am under a one-year, and I’m going to sign another one-year (in 2025),” Stewart told USA Today’s Megan Hall. “This gives me the flexibility I want going forward. It’s hard to tell exactly how things will unfold, especially with potential new contracts tied to the upcoming TV deal. But I don’t mind the one-years. I’m going to burn my core.”
Stewart’s reference to “core” refers to the WNBA’s core designation, similar to the franchise tag in other sports. If the Liberty were to designate her as their core player, it would prevent her from entering free agency but would guarantee her a supermax salary. For Stewart, the flexibility to negotiate her earnings each year, rather than being locked into a long-term deal, is a bet on the future of the league and its revenues.
The driving force behind Stewart’s contract strategy is the WNBA’s new 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal. This deal, which begins in 2025, is expected to dramatically increase the league’s revenue and, consequently, player salaries.
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While the exact timing of when these new wage scales will come into effect is still uncertain, many believe it could happen as early as after the 2025 season. By signing one-year deals, Stewart ensures that she remains a free agent as soon as the salary cap is adjusted to reflect the league’s increased earnings, allowing her to capitalize on a potentially much larger contract.
In a July interview, Stewart spoke about the media rights deal and the changes she hopes to see as a result. “Salaries are going to go up, player benefits are going to go up hopefully, benefits for families, working moms are going to get better,” she said. “And then pension, I think that’s something that we need to start dissecting a little bit. But now, the investment is there.”
Stewart’s decision to prioritize flexibility over stability is a bold and calculated move that reflects her long-term vision for both her career and the league.
As one of the most high-profile players in the WNBA, her choice to gamble on short-term deals could set a precedent for other players looking to maximize their earnings under the league’s evolving financial structure.
For now, Stewart remains focused on her immediate goals—helping the Liberty capture a WNBA title while keeping an eye on the larger payday that could be just around the corner.
