As the WNBA season wraps up for many teams, a significant number of players are already making their way overseas for the offseason. However, ongoing issues within the league, combined with low salaries, have some players questioning whether they will return.

In her exit interview, Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm voiced her concerns, stating, “If the WNBA wants to keep international players, they need to do better.” Williams pointed out that the league’s assumption that they do not need to increase player salaries to retain talent is misguided. She added, “Our commissioner mentioned the potential to earn $700,000, but that’s not true. There isn’t a single player making that amount.”

Williams highlighted the league’s promises regarding team and league marketing agreements, which have fallen short. “It’s still not enough for us international players to want to stay here,” she stated. Williams made it clear that if players like herself choose to pursue better financial opportunities abroad, it’s a decision rooted in business, not loyalty to the league.

Less than a week after her interview, Williams arrived in Istanbul to play for the offseason, where she is likely to earn more in Euroleague than she did during the WNBA season.

Gabby Williams gained recognition during her time with Team France at the Olympics, and this past season, she played for the Seattle Storm. It is common for WNBA players to compete overseas during the offseason—a trend that has persisted since the league’s inception. Notably, in 2015, Diana Taurasi opted to play in Russia, reportedly earning a salary of $1.5 million, while the highest salary in the WNBA at the time was just $117,000.

With the growing popularity of the WNBA, players are beginning to capitalize on brand deals, and this rise could attract Euroleague teams to pursue star players. For example, Ice Cube almost offered Caitlyn Clark $5 million to play a few games in the Big Three, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available overseas.

Discussion around the disparity between WNBA and NBA salaries has intensified, especially given that NBA players typically earn millions. Clark’s rookie salary is around $76,000, significantly lower than Victor Wembanyama’s rookie contract of $55 million over four years.

Historically, the WNBA’s earnings have been modest. The league reported a revenue of $60 million in previous years, with rumors suggesting it might reach between $180 million and $200 million for the 2023 season, though these numbers have not been confirmed. Comparatively, the NBA generated approximately $10 billion in 2022, highlighting a significant revenue gap between the leagues.

While viewership and merchandise sales for the WNBA have increased, especially this season, many believe the league could have capitalized further on this growth. Despite the promising trends, internal drama and dissatisfaction among players remain prevalent.

Caitlyn Clark recently advocated for away team players to receive spot bonuses due to the increased attendance at games, highlighting her leadership and selflessness. However, the lack of such bonuses is partly due to the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in the WNBA.

As the CBA approaches renegotiation in a few years, many are left wondering what salaries will look like moving forward and whether they will be sufficient to retain talent. Gabby Williams’ comments serve as a wake-up call for the league, which has faced significant challenges this season—from social media controversies to coaching changes.

The WNBA must address these issues promptly to improve its professional image and retain its players. The current climate has led some fans to feel disillusioned with certain teams and their management, prompting questions about the league’s future.

As the offseason approaches, it remains to be seen whether players will choose to stay in the WNBA or seek better opportunities overseas. What are your thoughts? Will the WNBA adapt to keep its players, or will more choose the overseas route for better pay and conditions? Let us know in the comments!