NBA 10 Day Contract Rule Explained (2025 Guide)

In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, roster flexibility is key. The WNBA 10-day contract rule gives teams the ability to quickly sign players without making a long-term commitment. For athletes, it’s often a chance to prove their worth, while for teams, it’s a low-risk way to cover for injuries, roster shortages, or unexpected needs. This flexibility works alongside other mechanisms like the WNBA buyout rule, which allows teams and players to part ways under specific financial agreements.

Although more commonly associated with the NBA, the WNBA has also adopted a form of the 10-day contract system, especially in the middle of the season when injuries or absences can leave rosters thin. Understanding how these contracts work helps fans, players, and analysts see how temporary signings can make a big impact on the league. Short-term deals also complement other player movement options, such as seven-day contracts in the WNBA, which give teams even greater flexibility during tight stretches.

When Can WNBA Teams Offer A 10-Day Contract?

A WNBA team cannot hand out 10-day contracts at just any point in the season. There are specific conditions and timelines that govern their use.

• Timing matters: Typically, 10-day contracts can only be signed once the regular season is already underway. Teams cannot use them in the preseason or training camp.
• Roster need: A team often turns to a 10-day deal when it suffers an injury, needs extra depth at a certain position, or wants to test out a player without making a season-long financial commitment.
• Limitations per player: Just like in the NBA, a player can usually only sign a maximum of two 10-day contracts with the same team in a season. After that, the team must either sign the player for the rest of the season or let them go.

What Happens If WNBA Contract Isn’t Extended After 10 Days?

A 10-day contract doesn’t guarantee stability. Once those days are up, the team has a decision to make:

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• If the player impressed: The team may offer a second 10-day deal or upgrade them to a standard rest-of-season contract. This has happened in several cases where role players turned temporary chances into full-season opportunities.
• If the player didn’t fit: The team can simply let the contract expire with no further obligation. The player then becomes a free agent and can sign with another WNBA team or explore opportunities overseas.
• Financial impact: A 10-day contract is prorated against the league’s minimum salary scale, meaning players still earn guaranteed pay for those days, even if not extended afterward.

Why 10-Day Contracts Are Important for WNBA Teams and Players

For Teams

• Provides roster flexibility during a long, grueling season.
• Helps teams manage injuries or suspensions without long-term salary cap concerns.
• Allows franchises to evaluate young or unproven talent in live game situations.

For Players

• A chance to prove themselves at the highest level of women’s basketball.
• Offers an entry point into the league for players overlooked in the draft.
• Provides valuable WNBA experience that can lead to future contracts, either in the league or abroad.

The WNBA 10-day contract rule may seem like a minor detail, but it carries big significance. It allows teams to adapt quickly to changing situations while giving players a platform to showcase their abilities.