As expected, Liberty named Brianna Stewart a core player this week.
The news was announced on Tuesday, but the WNBA's trade page shows the move was made on Monday.
With the Liberty gaining exclusive negotiating rights to Stewart, New York will officially take its biggest free agent off the market with the core designation.
Stewart had already shared his intention to return to Brooklyn to help the Liberty defend their title in 2025, but this move eliminates the last available core pick of Stewart's career.
Stewart's appointment was one of a handful of administrative moves made by Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb this week.
The Ribs also extended preliminary qualifying offers to Ivana Dožić, Rebecca Gardner and Marin Johannes on Monday.
And on Tuesday, Liberty signed 5-foot-7 guard Jaylin Sherrod to a training camp contract.
Other players who have received franchise player designation since the franchise player quota opened Saturday include Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces), Sato Sabally (Dallas Wings) and Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm). ) is included.
Core picks automatically come with a one-year qualifying offer at $249,244, the WNBA's highest salary, but players cannot be paid less to improve their team. It's not unheard of.
Stewart is a prime example of doing just that.
Stewart fell short of his maximum points in 2024 despite gaining a core.
She was the Liberty's highest-paid player last season, earning $205,000.
Teams have until Jan. 20 to issue franchise designations and qualifying offers to reserved and restricted free agents.
Teams and free agents can begin negotiations the next day, but contracts cannot be officially signed until February 1.
