Basketball aspirants have worked in their college, international, or even undrafted games, but don’t lose hope. A training camp contract is their opportunity to show what it takes. It’s like an audition. They invite more players than they’re going to retain—sometimes 18 for 12 positions—and a training camp contract allows you to go through practices, scrimmages, and preseason games.
The contract first stands for 3–4 weeks to prove themselves. If not cut, players can get a regular contract. The WNBA and WNBPA had the rules and process confirmed in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Here are ways to check on the training camp contracts.
What Are The Guidelines For Contracting WNBA Players To Camp Deals?
Teams can sign players under training camp contracts from February 1 until the day before the start of the regular season. These one-year, non-guaranteed, minimum salary contracts serve the purpose of the preseason tryout only. If the player is waived prior to the regular season, the team doesn’t have to pay them anything, and the player’s salary does not count against the salary cap.
Training camp contracts do not tally in the salary cap or the team payroll until the first of the regular season. If the player makes it onto the team, The contract reverts to an ordinary one-year, unprotected minimum salary contract, which then figures in the salary cap.
Undrafted rookies, international players, or veterans seeking an opportunity typically sign these contracts. All rookies, including drafted players, are technically on training camp contracts until they are included in the opening-day roster. It provides teams with the flexibility to get an assessment of more players in camp.
It provides players with an opportunity to showcase their skills and possibly receive an opportunity overseas if they don’t make the roster.
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How Are WNBA Camp Contracts Different From Regular Season Contracts?
As mentioned, the training camp contract has two different names, and it differs from the regular season contract in many ways. In the training camp contract, there is no guarantee of playing time in the regular season games. Also, it doesn’t impact the WNBA salary cap for the teams until the regular season starts. Moreover, the training camp contract duration is one year at max.
In contrast, the regular-season contract can last from a single season to multiple seasons, and players on the contract get a chance to represent the teams in competitive games. They also impact the team’s salary cap value.
Generally, the training camp contracts are for undrafted, rookie, or fringe players with the sole purpose of their tryout. Standard contracts or regular-season contracts are for guaranteed players and help them provide security.