Free Agency

Free Agency refers to a period in professional sports when players are allowed to sign contracts with any team of their choice after their previous contract has expired or if they have been released from their team. This process allows players to negotiate salaries and terms freely, providing them the opportunity to join teams based on various factors such as financial offers, team competitiveness, personal preferences, and location. In the context of professional leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, free agency is a critical component of team building and roster management, impacting team performance and player career trajectories. There are typically two types of free agency: unrestricted, where players can sign with any team without limitations, and restricted, where current teams have the right to match any offers made to their players or receive compensation. Free agency is a key aspect of the sports business, influencing market dynamics and player movement.