Gabby Williams dominates in Europe after criticizing the WNBA and Caitlin Clark’s salary

Former Seattle Storm superstar Gabby Williams has made a dream start to life in Europe, winning her first six games for her new team, Fenerbahçe. She has looked dominant each time she has taken the court, showing her decision to leave the WNBA was probably worthwhile!

According to Flashscore, in her first EuroLeague game, she registered nine points, eight rebounds, and five assists in Fenerbahçe's 52-81 win against ESB Villeneuve. In the Turkish league, she registered ten points, eight rebounds, and seven assists against Galatasaray. Since then, she is averaging 10 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game as her hot start to life in Turkey continues.

Williams has already secured her first piece of silverware since leaving the United States, winning the FIBA women's Supercup with Fenerbahçe.

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The Turkish team's new addition from America finished the contest with the MVP award, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. The team beat city rivals Besiktas JK 79-63 to retain the trophy.

Former Seattle Storm superstar Williams decided to leave the WNBA after criticizing the league's salary discrepancies, according to reporting by Khalil Worrell for Enstarz.

Williams, who plays as a power forward, decided to head to Europe after signing a deal with Turkish team Fenerbahçe.

Despite WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert's claims that players could earn up to $700,000 (£533k, €641k) a year in the league, Williams has rejected that notion, claiming, "That's actually not true at all. There's not one player who makes that."

Williams also claimed, that despite assurances of team marketing agreements and sponsorships, the WNBA has "fallen quite short" of matching their promises.

Williams, who plays for France internationally, added, "it's still not enough for us international players to want to stay here. And that's a choice of the players."

As with all current discussions about the WNBA, the conversation eventually shifted to Caitlin Clark. Williams noted on social media that Clark is set to earn just $76,535 (£58k/€70k) from her WNBA contract, with the rest of her income coming from sponsorships.

Per Front Office Sports, the highest-paid player in the WNBA is Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces. In 2024, Young will take home $252,420 (£192k/€231k), well short of the promised $700,000 (£533k/€641k).

When there is criticism leveled at anything in the US, the response is often, "well, if you don't like it leave." As Williams wrote on social media in response to one fan, "to everyone saying "leave the country, if you're unhappy in America", I did."

According to ResearchGate, average salaries in the Turkish league are higher than in the WNBA. Players are expected to earn between $80,000 and $120,000 (£91k/€110k) on average, compared to $75,000 (£57k/€68k) in the US.

Per Sports Illustrated, Williams was met by something she would never have experienced in the WNBA, firecrackers thrown onto the court by fans. Turkish sports fans are known for their fanaticism, but Williams will presumably hope this sort of incident isn't common.

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