Breanna Stewart Given Franchise Tag By New York Liberty For Second Straight Year

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, Satou Sabally Dallas and Gabby Williams Seattle.

Teams have until next Monday - the day before players and teams can begin negotiating - to offer core designations to eligible players. By coring a player, the team gives them a one-year qualifying offer at the WNBA's maximum salary of 249,244. It prevents the player from signing with another team as a free agent.

Stewart helped bring the Liberty their first WNBA championship last fall and the franchise tag was not a surprise. She planned on returning to the team.

Sabally said last week that she didn't plan on playing in Dallas any longer, and by coring her the Wings can potentially trade her instead of just losing their star while getting nothing in return.