Before the Final Four, the former Lyon player shared with La Dernière Heure that it might be her last opportunity to win the European trophy. She explained, “Because I think the profile of European competitions will change significantly next season due to WNBA reforms. It will become difficult to follow the American season and then the European season. Personally, I will take a break at the end of my WNBA season this year. If I play in Europe again, it won’t be for a full season. And I think this will be the case for many players.”
After playing for the Fever, Sky, and Sparks, Julie Allemand is set to join a new WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo. Her feelings about this move are very positive. She candidly admitted, “To be honest, I hoped to be on the unprotected list by Los Angeles and be selected by one of the two new teams. The overly Americanized mentality, exacerbated as it can be in a city like Los Angeles with all the glitz, wasn’t really my thing. Toronto is perfect for me. Canada is new to me, and there are many European players on the team. The project is ambitious, and I already have a good connection with our coach from our discussions. I expect to play an important role.”
Julie Allemand has signed a two-year contract worth $850,000. This is a significant increase compared to the $85,000 she earned last season. However, surprisingly, she was earning even more in Turkey. The reason? She elaborated, “In the WNBA, I am still considered in my rookie contract years. Normally, I should have received the minimum contract, but we were able to negotiate to increase the price a bit. But this amount of $425,000 per season is gross. Taxes need to be deducted. For comparison, I earn more money at Fenerbahçe, where my income is calculated directly as net. In two years, I will be a free agent in the WNBA and free to negotiate a new, higher contract.”
Julie Allemand’s WNBA Salary: Earning More at Fenerbahçe
Belgian basketball star Julie Allemand, a prominent figure in European basketball, is set to embark on a new chapter in her WNBA career with the Toronto Tempo. However, her transition is accompanied by an intriguing revelation about her earnings: she currently makes more money playing for Fenerbahçe in Turkey than she does on her rookie contract in the WNBA.
Allemand’s insights into the evolving landscape of women’s basketball shed light on the challenges and opportunities players face. She previously expressed her concerns about the increasing difficulty of balancing both the WNBA and European seasons due to upcoming reforms. Her current WNBA contract, while substantial, is still considered within the rookie framework, impacting her net income after taxes.
Despite signing a lucrative two-year deal worth $850,000 with the Toronto Tempo, Allemand clarified that this figure is pre-tax. She explained that her earnings from Fenerbahçe are calculated on a net basis, making them effectively higher. This situation highlights the financial nuances that professional athletes navigate across different leagues and countries.
Her move to Toronto also reflects a preference for a different environment compared to some of the more high-profile American cities. Allemand expressed her enthusiasm for the Canadian city, its more understated culture, and the promising project of the Tempo. The presence of fellow European players and a strong connection with the coach further bolstered her decision.
Looking ahead, Allemand anticipates a significant role with the Tempo and is optimistic about her future in the WNBA. Upon becoming a free agent in two years, she expects to negotiate a new contract that will reflect her growing stature and experience in the league, potentially bridging the income gap she currently experiences compared to her European endeavors.
