free agency

noun4

1. •
   A system through which professional athletes are free to play for or sign a contract to play for any team.
2. •
   The status of an athlete as a free agent.

   • These players, in a 3-5-2 formation, are days away from free agency with no club yet acquired as pre-season training approaches[…] — 2018
3. •
   The movement of an athlete to a team through this system.

   • In his past two free agencies, James joined a team with another superstar in residence, and another star came with him. — 2018
4. •
   Synonym of free will

   • The system of his pretended free agency is without support; experience contradicts it every instant, and proves that he never ceases to be under the influence of necessity in all his actions; […]. — 1820