Gabby Williams returned from a concussion to play for ASVEL in the opening game of the French LFB finals Wednesday, likely ruling her out of the 2023 WNBA season.
Williams had six points and five rebounds as ASVEL lost the opening game of the best-of-three finals at home to Villeneuve d’Ascq. Game 2 is scheduled for Saturday, after the beginning of the WNBA regular season, so Williams would need to leave her French team mid-series to retain WNBA eligibility this season.
The WNBA prioritization rule, negotiated with the players’ association as part of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement, kicks in for the first time this season.
By rule, this year players must complete their offseason playing obligations before the start of the WNBA’s regular season to be eligible. Next season, the deadline will be the beginning of training camp or May 1, whichever comes later.
Most international leagues responded by moving up their seasons, putting players back with their WNBA teams for the preseason. France was the notable exception, meaning Williams could be the only player who…
