SEATTLE — Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams likely won’t play in the WNBA next season due to the league’s prioritization rule, she told reporters at the team’s exit interviews Monday.
“2024 looks like it’s not possible, more so because of prioritization and of course even if I were to come, it would be in August with the Olympics,” Williams said a day after the conclusion of the Storm’s schedule. “But 2025, I plan on coming back.”
Only a concussion suffered playing for club ASVEL in the French league playoffs made Williams eligible this season. During the first year of the prioritization rule, unsigned players like Williams were required to complete their offseason commitments prior to the start of the WNBA regular season.
Because Williams was unable to play, ASVEL released her from her contract before completing its championship run, allowing her to re-sign with Seattle as a restricted free agent in late June after recovering from the concussion.
The situation will become more challenging in 2024, when the prioritization rule will require unsigned free agents…
