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WNBA Proposes Birth-Year Roster System for Team Dynamics

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

During a Las Vegas press conference on October 3, 2025, Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, proposed a birth-year roster system inspired by the NBA that groups players by birth year rather than drafts.
The system could address loyalty and team dynamics.
Engelbert proposed annual tryouts to evolve teams while preserving balance.
The plan would divide teams into Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions by performance.
The idea could benefit both leagues by boosting player development and matchups.

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Story summary

During a Las Vegas press conference on October 3, 2025, Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, proposed a birth-year roster system inspired by the NBA that groups players by birth year rather than drafts.
The system could address loyalty and team dynamics.
Engelbert proposed annual tryouts to evolve teams while preserving balance.
The plan would divide teams into Heavyweight and Lightweight divisions by performance.
The idea could benefit both leagues by boosting player development and matchups.