For example, the prevailing logic is Buhner may not come over to the United States immediately, something that would allow her to continue to play in Europe until the end of the season. Pissott, on the other hand, is already in Indianapolis, and being designated a developmental player seems to imply that she has a spot with the team, and won’t have to worry about being cut during or right after training camp.<\/p>\n
Developmental player roles serve another need<\/p>\n
One of the more team-friendly aspects of the developmental role is that the designation doesn’t take away from a team’s overall salary cap. The players still get paid, and are eligible to play up in 12 games per season. <\/p>\n
Developmental players were part of the overall proposal the members of the WNBPA presented to the WNBA’s leadership as part of CBA negotiations. In addition to giving teams immediate options if a player is injured, the role will also give more college players a shot at being drafted into the league and getting playing time on the court.<\/p>\n
That’s a really big deal for a league that has built playing overseas during the offseason into the fabric of how it operates ever since its inception. There are still plenty of WNBA players who will go overseas to play, and also lots of athletes who deserve a spot in the league but weren’t draft and who will do the same. But adding these new roster spots is a strong step toward making it more possible for as many athletes as possible to have a spot in the W.<\/p>\n
Expansion will also continue to play a key role in opening up as many WNBA spots as possible. The league will add three new teams by 2030<\/a>. <\/p>\n
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