Breanna Stewart, star forward for the New York Liberty, will be joining Turkish basketball team Fenerbahçe in April to participate in the EuroLeague Women Final Six tournament. The event is scheduled to take place from April 15 to 19, allowing Stewart to compete internationally before returning to the United States for WNBA training camp, provided the season begins as planned. The WNBA regular season is expected to start on May 8, pending a timely collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players’ union.
Negotiations Over Revenue Sharing Delay WNBA Season Start
Currently, the primary obstacle hindering a prompt WNBA season kickoff remains unresolved discussions on revenue sharing between the league and players. Stewart, who serves as a vice president of the players’ union, recently expressed some optimism about the progress of negotiations during her podcast.
“I’m feeling like the owners are finally really acknowledging and being receptive of what we want and the players as well.” – Breanna Stewart, Vice President of WNBA Players’ Union
According to the prior collective bargaining agreement (CBA), veteran players under contract were required to report by May 1 or the start of training camp, whichever came later; failure to meet this deadline resulted in suspension for the entire year. The new negotiations are critical to setting similar terms for the upcoming season.
Stewart’s Previous Success with Fenerbahçe and Current Activities
Stewart previously played for Fenerbahçe during the 2022-23 season, playing a pivotal role in the team’s Turkish League championship run while earning the EuroLeague Final Four MVP title. Last season with the Liberty, she averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game before the team’s first-round playoff exit against Phoenix.
Currently, the 31-year-old athlete is competing in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 basketball league she co-founded alongside fellow player Napheesa Collier. This season is expected to conclude in early March, after which Stewart plans to attend a training camp with the U.S. national team for a few days ahead of her overseas commitment.
Upcoming EuroLeague Tournament and Its Importance
The EuroLeague Women Final Six, one of European women’s basketball’s premier competitions, will be held in mid-April, offering Stewart a chance to perform on a significant international stage before returning to domestic league play. Her involvement with Fenerbahçe highlights the growing trend of top WNBA players competing overseas during their offseason to maintain competitive form and gain additional experience.
Implications for the WNBA Season and Beyond
Stewart’s overseas commitment underscores the uncertainties surrounding the WNBA’s upcoming season start, which is contingent on the resolution of labor negotiations between players and owners. Her prominent role in the union and active participation in multiple leagues reflect the broader challenges players face balancing international opportunities with domestic commitments.
The outcome of these negotiations will likely influence both the structure of the upcoming WNBA season and the participation of key players like Stewart. Successful talks could pave the way for a full season and timely training camps, while delays may force players to adjust their priorities and schedules accordingly.
