Breanna Stewart: Liberty Star Joins Fenerbahçe for EuroLeague Women Final Six

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart will join Fenerbahçe Opet in April to compete ahead of the EuroLeague Women Final Six. The team announced her participation on Monday, setting off discussion among WNBA fans regarding her availability for the start of the upcoming league season.

Overseas Commitment & WNBA Timeline

The EuroLeague Women Final Six is scheduled for April 15-19. WNBA training camps are slated to open on April 27 for the 2025 season, mirroring the schedule of the previous year. This timing would allow Stewart to potentially return in time for camp, assuming the league maintains its current schedule.

Did You Know? Breanna Stewart previously played for Fenerbahçe Opet during the 2022-2023 season, leading the team to both the Turkish League title and the EuroLeague Women’s championship.

Previous Success with Fenerbahçe

This isn’t Stewart’s first stint with Fenerbahçe Opet. In the 2022-2023 season, she was named Euroleague Final Four MVP and delivered a standout 35-point performance in the championship game against Çukurova Mersin, securing Opet’s first EuroLeague Women’s championship. Stewart has also played professionally overseas with UMMC Ekaterinburg, Dynamo Kursk, and the Shanghai Swordfish.

Currently, Stewart is competing with Mist BC in the Unrivaled league. Last season with the Liberty, she averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. The Liberty were ultimately defeated by the Phoenix Mercury in the first round of the playoffs after winning the WNBA championship the prior year.

Expert Insight: The decision for a WNBA star to play overseas during the offseason highlights the complex financial and competitive landscape for women’s basketball players. While the WNBA continues to grow, opportunities to supplement income and maintain peak performance through year-round play remain significant for many athletes.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing CBA negotiations could influence future player decisions regarding offseason play. Stewart herself expressed encouragement about recent progress during an appearance on the Game Recognizes Game with Stewie and Myles show. If the WNBA season begins as it did in 2024, on May 8, Stewart may have sufficient time to prepare following her EuroLeague commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Breanna Stewart play for Fenerbahçe Opet?

Breanna Stewart will play for Fenerbahçe Opet in April ahead of the EuroLeague Women Final Six, scheduled from April 15-19.

What was Breanna Stewart’s performance like with Fenerbahçe Opet previously?

Stewart previously played for Fenerbahçe Opet in the 2022-2023 season, winning the Turkish League title and being named Euroleague Final Four MVP. She also led the team to its first EuroLeague Women’s championship.

What were Breanna Stewart’s stats with the New York Liberty last season?

Last season, Breanna Stewart averaged 18.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists for the New York Liberty.

As players navigate both domestic and international opportunities, how might evolving league structures impact the future of WNBA athletes?