Mon Jun 30 01:20:00 UTC 2025: **WNBA Stars Prioritize League Play as International Tournament Conflicts Loom**
**NEW YORK** – Several WNBA stars, including the Seattle Storm’s Gabby Williams and the Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally, are bucking the trend of leaving mid-season for international competitions, signaling a potential shift in player priorities. As Williams enjoys a career season averaging 14 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds while shooting a blistering percentage from three, and Sabally leads the Mercury with 19.3 points per game, both faced the decision of pausing their WNBA campaigns to compete in EuroBasket, a FIBA-sponsored tournament running from June 18-29 that can qualify teams for the Olympics.
Traditionally, many international WNBA players have felt obligated to represent their home countries in tournaments like EuroBasket, the Asia Cup, and the AmeriCup, often disrupting their WNBA seasons. In fact, around 13.5 percent of the WNBA’s 162 rostered players faced that choice this year. This year, however, several players, including Sabally, Williams, and New York Liberty guard Marine Johannès, have opted to remain with their WNBA teams.
“It gives the autonomy back to the players,” Sabally told reporters, emphasizing the growing player empowerment.
Several teams, including the expansion Golden State Valkyries, have been significantly impacted by international players choosing to stay or go. French rookie Carla Leite from the Valkyries, along with Dominique Malonga from the Storm, decided to remain in the U.S. rather than train with their national teams.
One major driver of this change is the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in 2026. The new CBA is expected to drastically increase salaries and improve player amenities, giving WNBA players more incentive to prioritize their league careers.
“So sometimes you just have to give and take a little bit in your professional career,” Sabally said, highlighting the delicate balance players must strike.
Johannès echoed this sentiment, stating her need for stability at this stage of her career.
“I’m 30 right now, and like, I can’t be everywhere and nowhere, you know?” she said.
While this shift benefits WNBA teams, it also puts pressure on international federations, who rely on these tournaments for revenue. How the WNBA and FIBA will navigate these competing interests in the future, especially with major events like the 2026 FIBA World Cup approaching, remains to be seen. With higher pay more international and domestic WNBA players won’t even have to supplement their incomes overseas. With a new CBA in 2026, the WNBA could become not only the most talented league in the world, but finally a professional women’s league where its players are treated like the money-making superstars they are.
First Piper 