New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart is set to rejoin Turkish Euroleague team Fenerbahce Opet in April after receiving an offer she described as impossible to refuse. The unexpected move marks a return overseas for Stewart, who had previously co-founded Unrivaled to help WNBA athletes remain in the United States during offseasons.
Unexpected Offer Sparks Decision to Play Abroad Again
Stewart revealed that her agent delivered a sudden and formal proposal from Fenerbahce, catching her off guard. Initially uncertain whether her busy schedule would allow such an engagement, the two-time WNBA MVP soon realized the terms were specifically arranged to accommodate her availability.
She said,
“[Fenerbahce] offered me something that I couldn’t refuse, and the fact that I’ll go and play in the Final Six and that’s it,”
followed by
“Any kind of stipulation or anything that I needed, they were willing to compromise with me literally to make it possible. And I think it’ll be cool. Obviously, going back to Turkey, I didn’t think I would be going back overseas.”
— Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty forward
Balancing Overseas Play with New Ventures
Stewart’s decision comes just ahead of the March 2 launch of Unrivaled at the Barclays Center, a venture aimed at providing female basketball stars more opportunities to compete domestically. This arrangement reflects Stewart’s effort to balance professional competition with her commitment to growing the sport within the United States.
Implications of Stewart’s Return to European Basketball
Stewart’s return to Turkey highlights her continued demand internationally and underscores the global nature of women’s basketball. Her participation in the Euroleague Final Six is expected to boost Fenerbahce’s championship prospects while maintaining her status as one of the sport’s most influential figures. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely how Stewart manages her commitments with Unrivaled and overseas play in the coming months.
