Gabby Williams Leaves WNBA Amid Controversy Over Player Salaries and Caitlin Clark
Former Seattle Storm star Gabby Williams has officially stepped away from the WNBA, drawing attention due to her candid remarks on player salaries and Caitlin Clark. Following the Storm’s elimination from the playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces, the 28-year-old forward transitioned to European basketball, signing with Fenerbahce in Turkey.
Williams’ departure closely followed her public criticism of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s claims about the potential earnings of league players. Engelbert had previously stated that WNBA athletes could earn as much as $700,000 annually. However, Williams quickly pushed back on this assertion, stating, “That’s actually not true at all. No player makes that,” challenging the accuracy of the commissioner’s remarks.
In addition to her comments about salaries, Williams expressed frustration with the league’s unfulfilled promises concerning marketing deals for players. She argued that these deals, which were meant to help retain players in the U.S. rather than push them overseas, were still inadequate. “It’s still not enough for us to stay here,” Williams stated, emphasizing why many athletes like herself choose to play abroad for better financial opportunities.
The situation escalated when a fan pointed out that Caitlin Clark, a rising star with the Indiana Fever, had reportedly earned over $700,000 during her rookie season, even though her base salary was just $76,000. In response, Williams clarified that her criticism focused solely on WNBA salaries and did not include income from endorsements or sponsorships, which can significantly boost earnings for top players like Clark.
Despite the controversy, Williams had a solid season with the Storm, averaging 10.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 2024. Nevertheless, she made the decision to take her talents overseas, leaving behind a WNBA that, in her view, still struggles to offer competitive financial packages for its top talent.
Joe Seph