Dwindling Overseas Opportunities for WNBA Players Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict and Russia-Ukraine War

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For the past five WNBA offseasons, Alysha Clark, a key reserve for the Las Vegas Aces, has played basketball in Israel. However, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has made her reconsider returning this year, assuming the option is even available.

The Israeli women’s basketball league has temporarily halted all games due to the warfare. Clark expressed reservations about returning to Israel, a place she considers a second home, opting instead to stay with her family in Las Vegas.

With the WNBA season drawing to a close, players like Clark are exploring their next career moves. Options for overseas play are shrinking due to geopolitical tensions, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. In the past offseason, approximately half of the league’s 144 players ventured to countries such as Israel, Australia, Turkey, and Italy to supplement their earnings.

Veteran players like Clark, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart may find it relatively easier to secure overseas opportunities. However, younger players are facing challenges, especially with the 10-team Israeli league now suspended. Leigha Brown, a rookie with the Connecticut Sun, had plans to fly to Israel just before the conflict erupted. She ultimately stayed in the United States after her Israeli coach informed her of the league’s suspension.

For many players, Russia is also no longer a viable option. Following the unlawful detainment of Brittney Griner in 2022 and the ongoing war with Ukraine, Russia has been eliminated from players’ considerations for overseas play.

China has reemerged as a preferred destination for players like Jones and Connecticut Sun MVP candidate Alyssa Thomas, after being closed to international players due to its COVID-19 policies.

Another consideration for players planning their careers is the WNBA’s new prioritization rules. Starting from the 2024 season, players with more than two years of experience are required to report to their teams by May 1 or the beginning of training camp, failing which they will face suspension for the entire season.

The upcoming Paris Olympics may also influence the WNBA schedule, potentially requiring players to report earlier than usual. Marine Johannes of the New York Liberty, for example, plans to begin the season in the United States before heading to France to prepare for the Olympics. France has already secured an automatic bid as the host nation.

Breanna Stewart, meanwhile, is still weighing her options, particularly as she and her wife, Marta, are expecting their second child later this month.

In summary, WNBA players are facing increasingly limited options for overseas play, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical conflicts and league regulations. This leaves players balancing multiple factors, including security, health, finances, and family obligations, as they plan their next career moves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Overseas Opportunities for WNBA Players

More about Overseas Opportunities for WNBA Players

• WNBA Official Site
• Israel-Hamas Conflict News
• Russia-Ukraine War Coverage
• China’s Reopening to International Players
• WNBA Prioritization Rules for 2024 Season
• Paris Olympics 2024 Information
• Connecticut Sun Team Profile
• Las Vegas Aces Team Profile