Olympic star criticizes the WNBA prioritization rule

The Seattle Storm signed French forward Gabby Williams after her impressive performance in the 2024 Olympics. During her first media availability with the team, she criticized the WNBA’s prioritization rule, which requires players with two or more years of experience to report to training camp by a set date to remain eligible.

“It shouldn't be a blanket rule,” the 27-year-old said. “I think if a team can handle it, they can handle it. If not, don't sign European players or players that play in Europe.”

Williams, a five-season WNBA veteran, averaged 15.5 points on 48 percent shooting during France’s silver-medal run this summer. She made the Olympic All-Star Five and won Best Defensive Player, leading to her recruitment back to the league. She became a free agent after not re-signing with Seattle earlier this year to focus on the Olympics and has now returned to the Storm for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The wage structure, season length and international talent in women’s basketball justify Williams’ distaste for the punitive rule. Many players needing supplemental income play overseas once the WNBA season ends in October, taking advantage of a European season that generally runs on an opposite schedule.

Occasionally, as with Williams’ case, the other league seasons or national team commitments may overlap with training camp. While wanting to ensure players prioritize the WNBA, the league created a harsh and counterproductive punishment.

The Olympics in Paris demonstrated the wealth of talent across the world. Working to globalize the WNBA will only enhance the quality of basketball and marketability of the league. Instead, stars like Belgium's Emma Meesseman, France’s Marine Johannes and Germany’s Alexis Peterson are forced to choose between competing with the best players in the world or staying home in Europe. The decision rids the WNBA of rivalries and storylines that can carry over into international competition.

Nonetheless, the Storm are grateful for Williams’ return. She joins one of the WNBA’s best defensive players in Ezi Magbegor and last season’s leading-scorer Jewell Loyd. With 13 games left in the regular season and a playoff push needed, Seattle hopes Williams can emulate the Olympic performance that helped her return to the league she belongs.