The WNBA is about to change. A new CBA will alter the league’s salary structure and working conditions for players. When it is finally signed, of course. Higher salaries will also change players’ lives outside of the WNBA—and potentially change their offseason priorities. That could lead to huge changes in European basketball.
For the longest time, EuroLeague was THE place to compete in the winter for WNBA stars who needed another income. Playing two seasons that involve a lot of travel means a lot of wear and tear on players’ bodies, though. So, with opportunities like Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited, and lucrative endorsement deals that weren’t available to women athletes before, the number of U.S. American stars playing in EuroLeague has diminished.
Just looking at the 2025 WNBA All-Star rosters shows the massive shift. Kelsey Mitchell, Kelsey Plum, Brittney Sykes, Satou Sabally, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, and Rhyne Howard all played for EuroLeague teams until a few seasons ago. Now, they are all under contract with Unrivaled. Other All-Stars, like A’ja Wilson, Cailtin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, Sabrina Ionescu, and Angel Reese never had to play overseas at all.
Others, like Kayla McBride, Bri Jones, and Gabby Williams still play in Europe in the WNBA offseason and so do many role players and young stars. When WNBA salaries skyrocket, it could tempt many of the few remaining U.S. stars to opt out of playing in EuroLeague as well. That would vastly change teams like Fenerbahce and Praha that regularly attract top WNBA talent and the league’s landscape.
There is a bright side to all of this. Fewer U.S. American players taking up roster spots will give opportunities to local talent and allow teams to play young stars more. It could also lead to a few breakouts from role players who don’t earn as much in the W and still want to compete overseas. At the same time, however, it will take away stars who attract fans and often drive viewership numbers.
A new CBA will still benefit players and women’s basketball in general
Even though other leagues may miss the influx of WNBA talent at first, a new CBA that will give players higher salaries, a share of the money they generate, better working conditions, and increased benefits is still a landmark moment for women’s basketball and women’s sports in general. Women athletes have rarely had the leverage to stand firm on demands that team owners would fulfil in the blink of an eye if the players were men.
Breanna Stewart’s decision to return to Turkey after this Unrivaled season wraps up doesn’t send the most encouraging message about the CBA negotiations. But playing the 2026 season is still in everybody’s best interest—including the many leagues outside of the U.S. Having players compete in the WNBA is a great way to get fans to fall in love with them and want to follow their journeys outside of the W.
For example, Leila Lacan gained a lot of attention and respect for what she did with the Connecticut Sun, and Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite quickly won over fans with their contributions to the Valkyries’ historic playoff run.