Perfetto
🫣 I don't think this should be viewed as a battle between Fenerbahçe & the Seattle Storm. This is more of a conflict between FIBA and Unrivaled — though you could also frame it as EuroLeague Women (or National Teams) vs. WNBA.
So far, FIBA has made several updates and adjustments to its regulations to allow and support its top players to participate in the WNBA. It has shown flexibility for the benefit of the players.
But if other leagues and its executives are actively convincing a player — regardless of whether the contract is for one year or three — to terminate a binding agreement that includes no release clause, simply on the grounds of “changing their mind,” then yes, this is a conflict.
I'm very curious to see how FIBA will respond. If the Fenerbahçe & Malonga don't reach an agreement, it's likely that a precedent-setting decision will be made by FIBA.
Malonga is a young player we've come to appreciate, and first and foremost, I'd like to wish her the best and a smooth recovery. I hope she finds success in the next chapter of her career.
I kindly ask that you understand why Fenerbahçe fans are upset. Malonga was the team's very first signing of the season. Last year, Fenerbahçe lost a European title partly due to a lack of depth in the frontcourt. Despite Malonga's young age, the club saw her as a long-term investment and offered her a three-year deal with a strong salary.
Some of you may say, “The player is injured, why are you making such a big deal out of it?” — but that's not the issue here. If the player is indeed injured, she still has a three-year contract. She could sit out this season, skip the Unrivaled & WNBA, focus on recovery, and then play for Fenerbahçe in the remaining two years of her deal.
And also some may argue that simply paying a player $80,000-100,000 a year and offering her a 3+1 year contract doesn't mean you truly support or value her — that's another discussion.
Of course, these are not matters for you or me to debate and decide. Therefore, waiting is the best option.