Is Breanna Stewart’s return to Euroleague a signal to the WNBA?

Brianna Stewart’s Return to EuroLeague Raises Questions Amidst CBA Negotiations

Every action taken by WNBA players seems intertwined with the ongoing, and rather stagnant, CBA negotiations. Monday was no exception, as news emerged that Brianna Stewart plans to head back to Europe.

Yes, Brianna Stewart will be rejoining Fenerbahce for the EuroLeague Final 6 in April, but perhaps only for four games. These matches are scheduled between April 15th and 19th. Interestingly, that’s the same day WNBA training camp kicks off. So, if her team advances to the finals—though that’s a pretty big “if” considering the competition—she could show up late to camp. And there’s still the uncertainty of whether camp will even start on time, given the ongoing CBA discussions.

This isn’t particularly shocking; Stewart has participated in the EuroLeague multiple times throughout her career. It aligns with Unrivaled wrapping up on March 4th. She also isn’t on Team USA’s World Cup qualifying roster, which isn’t too surprising since Aja Wilson isn’t part of it either. But, it is surprising that Stewart is opting to play overseas so close to the WNBA season, which may lead to her missing some training camp. After all, she has no pressing need to chase a EuroLeague championship at this point; she’s already collected a plethora of titles. This raises an interesting question: What are the implications of her decision?

As it stands, she must report to WNBA camp by May 1 to avoid suspension. Many are speculating that new regulations will come with the upcoming CBA, similar to those regarding scheduling and season length, but it seems unlikely these new priority rules will take effect this year. Given Stewart’s health challenges in recent seasons, her participation in a tournament right before the WNBA season is a bit disconcerting for fans.

This situation feels a bit like a strategic move. Stewart, a key player for the New York Liberty and a leader, is set to miss the first day of training camp, during which a new coaching staff will be present. It might signal the need for alternative plans should the WNBA season face delays or cancellations. There’s speculation that, if a new CBA isn’t settled in the next couple of weeks, the scheduled WNBA season could begin to feel the impact.

As a member of the WNBPA executive committee, Stewart is essentially conveying a message that she doesn’t expect a deal to materialize shortly. While many players are participating in the EuroLeague tournament, Stewart’s actions carry a significant weight. She remains one of the most vocal and influential figures within the WNBA, and her decisions resonate.

Of course, it’s also plausible that she simply wants to play basketball in Turkey and pursue tournament victories. Still, it raises eyebrows—why would a player with an impressive collection of accolades want to engage in this specific tournament? It feels like there might be more at play here.