The league prioritization rule passed in 2020 and implemented from the 2023 W season onwards, marked a watershed moment in the league. As per the rule, basketball stars who didn’t report on time couldn’t be a part of the WNBA. According to its supporters, this was done to make sure that all the players represent their franchises in the W and give their fans a fair deal of fun. However, some players retaliated opining that the rule made it difficult for athletes, who wanted to ply their trade overseas, to take the hardwood for their teams if they were late. Amid growing retaliation against the rule especially after the Olympics is the Dallas Wings small forward Satou Sabally who has time and again spoken against it.

Sabally during the Dallas Wings practice session before the game against the Connecticut Sun on Friday was present in an exclusive chat with Grant Afseth from EssentiallySports. The 26-year-old did not shy away from expressing her disagreement with the WNBA.

“I think it’s sad to punish or limit opportunities of players who do play overseas and want to make a WNBA roster. I think it really creates a disruption and planning and financial opportunities that are just more in Europe and financial opportunities that you have here. And when you’re on the brink of getting cut, either now you put it all on the card to make a WNBA roster or you decide to get your salary in Europe and I think that’s just a point that we should be at this like, we should support women and our financial income in any way possible. But I also understand that we do want to prioritize the WNBA, but it needs to be done inclusive, for sure,” Sabally stated, as per Grant Afseth.

During the two years of its implementation, the rule has witnessed strict policies for international players. In 2023, the rule made it difficult for players to be present in the W if they missed the start of the regular season on May 19, they would be suspended. And if they could not report to their teams before May 1 they would have to pay a fine. During the 2024 season, they faced unprecedented consequences since they were asked to be present with their franchises before May 1 or the start of training camp whichever was later if they wanted to avoid suspension for the whole season.

Plus, the rule aims to suspend anyone who leaves the W to participate in any international league. The athletes who do so will have their WNBA contracts terminated and will not be able to play the following season. This has made times more difficult for players since, as per Just Women’s Sports, during the 2022 off-season almost 50% of the WNBA players have gone on to play overseas to make some money. And hence, the rule only adds impediments to the path of athletes who want to play for their country. But, it is not only Sabally who is revolting against the rule, but after the Olympics, a few other stars have come forward to express their views.

Emma Meesseman and Satou Sabally express their concerns

“I really said since beginning that I don’t feel supported in that rule,” Belgian star Emma Meesseman spoke about the rule after she won against Spain in the quarterfinals. The overseas stars have to take on the responsibility of representing their national teams apart from taking part in different leagues. However, the rule makes it difficult for them to leave.

Meanwhile, Sabally encouraged the WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to give some relief to players when renegotiating the next Collective Bargaining Agreement. “And I think that can be a point that we can make, like, ‘Hey, maybe we were a little too drastic on the prioritization rule,'” Sabally had stated then. “I agree 100% with Satou,” Meesseman came in complete support of Sabally.

Whether the rule will be changed or not is something that remains to be seen. But as of now, players can hope that the league at least reconsiders its rule so that athletes who want to represent the WNBA franchises can at least get respite from it.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.