Olympic Star Gabby Williams’ Stern Opinion on Controversial WNBA Rule

The recent addition of do-it-all forward Gabby Williams only made the Seattle Storm even more dangerous as they look to solidify their spot in the postseason.

Now in her third year with the Storm, Williams is expected to provide the squad with a significant boost, joining usual suspects Jewell Loyd, Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Ezi Magbegor.

But the 27-year-old Williams almost didn’t end up joining the Storm for the remainder of the season due to the WNBA’s prioritization rule. This was the second straight time she joined the Storm late in the campaign due to club commitments in Europe.

According to the rule this year, any player who does not arrive before May 1, 2024 will be ineligible to play for the entire season. The WNBA, however, approved Williams’ late entry after the Paris Olympics because her offseason commitments concluded by May.

Still, Williams, who led France to the silver medal, is adamantly against the rule, which was first implemented in 2023

“It shouldn’t be a blanket rule,” Williams said in a report from Seattle Times’ Percy Allen. “I understand they want to have players here, but I think prioritization has to go hand in hand with our money that we’re making as well.

Many WNBA stars ply their trade overseas during the offseason to make extra money, especially since they earn more lucrative contracts in other countries.

Aside from Williams, other players like Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Satou Sabally have also opposed the rule.

“If a team can handle it, they can handle it,” added Williams. “If not, don’t sign European players or players that play in Europe.

“America is not the entire world. I know there are some people in a certain place that need to hear that.”

Williams averaged 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 10 games for the Storm last season.

She could make her season debut on Monday against the Washington Mystics.