WNBA prioritization rule nearly prevented Gabby Williams from signing with Storm

The WNBA is in the midst of a boom period in roughly every phase of the league's existence. Aided by the arrival of former college superstars such as Cameron Brink, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese, women's basketball has grown exponentially at every level.

As the spotlight shined on the pro-level superstars who sit atop the WNBA, however, one of the best players in the world long remained on the outside looking in.

Gabby Williams was selected at No. 4 overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. She's earned a reputation as one of the best defenders in the game today, but that recognition has been garnered outside of the Association in recent seasons.

Williams finally decided against a continued stay outside of the WNBA by signing with the Seattle Storm for the rest of the 2024 season.

Seattle just made a clear statement that it wants to win in 2024—and it's added one of the best defenders in the world to help it do so.

Gabby Williams signs with Seattle Storm

While many expected a sense of urgency to return to the WNBA, Williams wasn't entirely sure if it was in her best interest to do so. Roughly a week before she signed with the Storm, it was reported that the defensive specialist was weighing her options after a stellar showing at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Per Rachel Galligan of Winsidr:

It was a shocking development that had many WNBA fans asking a simple question: Why wouldn't Williams want to return to the top league in women's basketball during a period of remarkable growth?

The simple answer is that, by signing with the Storm before the conclusion of the 2024 season, Williams has been subjected to the unintended consequences of the WNBA's prioritization rule. It was introduced to protect franchises that acquire and develop players from losing them.

Much as the NBA has introduced first and second aprons in free agency to dissuade teams from forming super teams, the WNBA has attempted the same with the prioritization rule.

WNBA prioritization rule nearly kept Gabby Williams away

The downside of that rule, however, is that Williams signing with the Storm all but requires her to remain with the team beyond the 2024 season. It's likely that she knew this going in and made a long-term commitment to Seattle under those terms, but the requirement causes understandable trepidation.

According to Sabreena Merchant of The Athletic, Williams signing with the Storm during the 2024 season means the club can make her a core player—thus preventing her from entering free agency this coming offseason.

"However, if she signs for the rest of the season, that team would have the opportunity to core Williams and thus retain her exclusive negotiating rights for 2025."

Merchant continued:

"WNBA teams have the opportunity to designate a free agent as a core player during the offseason. The player can subsequently only negotiate with said team as a free agent and is guaranteed a one-year, supermax contract unless the two parties agree on a deal with different terms or a trade."

This may not have prevented Williams from returning to the WNBA, but it certainly complicated matters and nearly kept one of the top defenders in the world on the outside looking in.

Gabby Williams is a dominant force in Europe

Williams was sensational at the 2024 Summer Olympics, dominating on the defensive end of the floor as she helped France secure the silver medal. For her efforts, she was named the Best Defensive Player in women's 5-on-5 basketball at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

It's yet another accolade in her favor, with two national championships, a WNBA All-Defense selection, and AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors already on her résumé.

If that's not enough to intrigue you, try the fact that Williams has been one of the most dominant players in Europe. She's won Euroleague and EuroCup titles, as well as championships in France, Hungary, and Spain.

Williams also earned the EuroLeague Final Four MVP award in 2022, the EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year award in 2021, and All-EuroLeague honors in both 2021 and 2022.

The core rule may have its advantages, but in the case of Williams, it nearly cost the WNBA one of the best players in the world today.