Breanna Stewart’s shocking decision to return to the EuroLeague has left fans reeling and questions swirling. Why would one of the WNBA’s biggest stars risk a delayed start to her domestic season? The announcement that Stewart will join Fenerbahce in April—just as the WNBA training camp is set to begin—has sparked widespread concern. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Stewart herself has shed light on her reasoning, and it’s not what most expected.
During a candid conversation on the Game Recognized Game and Fudd Around and Find Out crossover podcast, Stewart revealed, ‘They literally offered me something I couldn’t refuse.’ When pressed by UConn standout Azzi Fudd, Stewart kept the details vague, avoiding any mention of a potential WNBA delay. Instead, she hinted at broader priorities, such as family and her children’s future. Could this be a strategic move to secure financial stability, or is there more to the story?
And this is the part most people miss: Before the WNBA’s recent strides, Europe was the go-to destination for stars like Stewart to earn significantly more than their WNBA salaries. It’s entirely plausible that Fenerbahce presented Stewart with an offer too lucrative to turn down—one that would still be irresistible even if a new WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) were in place. But what if Stewart’s decision is also a hedge against the uncertainty of the upcoming WNBA season?
Stewart’s addition to Fenerbahce’s already powerhouse roster is a game-changer. The team boasts an impressive lineup, including Gaby Williams, Emma Meesseman, Kayla McBride, Julie Allemand, and Iliana Rupert. With Stewart in the mix, Fenerbahce becomes nearly unstoppable. The team has lost just one EuroLeague game this season—a mid-January setback against Basket Landes, fueled by Connecticut Sun rookie Leila Lacan’s 28-point explosion. Otherwise, Fenerbahce has dominated, with eight wins by at least 18 points, including three blowouts of 48 points or more.
This isn’t Stewart’s first rodeo with Fenerbahce. In 2023, she led the team to a championship, earning All-EuroLeague First Team honors and the Final Four MVP award. Her return now feels like the final piece of a championship puzzle.
But here’s the controversial question: Is Stewart’s move a vote of no confidence in the WNBA’s future, or simply a smart business decision? As fans and analysts debate her motives, one thing is clear: Stewart’s decision has far-reaching implications for both the EuroLeague and the WNBA. What do you think? Is Stewart’s choice a calculated risk, or a sign of deeper issues in women’s basketball? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
