EuroLeague fans have anxiously awaited Dominique Malonga's post-WNBA debut this fall, but it seems they might have to wait a little longer. On Monday, October 20, BeBasket reported Malonga has unexpectedly pulled out of her three-year contract with Fenerbahçe Istanbul — and that she's rumored to be circling a contract with the professional 3x3 league Unrivaled instead.
The story was first reported by the Turkish outlet Mert Genç ile Kadın basketbolu, and rumors of Malonga's inclusion in Unrivaled have not been confirmed. BeBasket also noted the Turkish club offered Malonga a salary of €90,000 (approximately $104,000 USD) — a far cry from the average $222,000 that players in Unrivaled received last year.
Malonga's decision to back out of her contract with Fenerbahçe Istanbul is a tough one for the team, who previously had to contend with the departure of Teaira McCowan after she suffered a wrist injury.
Dominique Malonga enjoyed a strong 2025 season
Malonga's debut in the WNBA kicked off with a bang after she was selected as the No. 2 overall draft pick in this year's draft. She went on to average 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in 14.3 minutes with the Seattle Storm, and clocked another average of 22.7 points during the team's playoffs run. Malonga had a lot to prove as the youngest player in the WNBA, and she put every bit of her effort into doing exactly that.
Malonga and the Storm will return in 2026 to a team that will be helmed by a brand new coach — a reality that could end up benefitting the young hooper. The Storm announced the departure of Noelle Quinn in September. Though the Storm gave no direct reason for the firing, the Storm was dogged by rumors of an uncontrolled locker room, as well as accusations of harassment and bullying against members of the coaching staff. Six-time WNBA All-Star Jewell Loyd departed the team after filing a complaint against the team's coaches. She has since moved on to the potentially Championship-bound Las Vegas Aces.
Toward the end of the season, it became clear Quinn was an advocate for Malonga when the coach allowed her star rookie to play a massive 25 minutes in an August game against the Aces. Malonga took full advantage of that decision and topped out the game with 22 points on 8-11 shooting from the field, 12 rebounds, and one steal, which ended up being her best game of the regular season.