WNBA All-Star Gabby Williams has secured a lucrative deal, ranking among the league’s top earners. Her contract in Seattle for 2025 was $225,000, but she is now set to earn over five times that amount with the Golden State Valkyries. Her three-year contract guarantees her $1,309,000 by 2028. Similarly, Leïla Lacan, who was earning $72,455 in 2025, has seen her salary quadrupled.
These significant salary increases explain why some players, both American and international, may choose to forgo playing in Europe. Some are opting for other leagues such as Project B, which Janelle Salaün will join in 2026, or the Unrivaled league, as demonstrated by Dominique Malonga’s recent contract termination with Fenerbahçe. This shift represents a major disruption that could diminish the quality of national leagues and Euroleague competitions.
Here’s a breakdown of some notable French player salaries:
- Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries): $1,190,000 (approx. €1,010,400)
- Valériane Ayayi (Phoenix Mercury): $500,000 (approx. €425,500)
- Janelle Salaün (Golden State Valkyries): $500,000 (approx. €425,500)
- Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm): $466,913 (approx. €396,455)
- Iliana Rupert (Golden State Valkyries): $450,000 (approx. €382,000)
- Leïla Lacan (Connecticut Sun): $289,133 (approx. €245,500)
All figures represent annual salaries.
Translation:
WNBA All-Star Gabby Williams has been offered the 6th highest salary in the league, tied with several other players. In 2025 in Seattle, she was earning $225,000, and in Golden State, she will earn more than five times that amount. Her three-year contract will secure her $1,309,000 by 2028. Another example is Leïla Lacan, who was on a base of $72,455 in 2025 and is now multiplying her salary by four.
It is now understandable why some players, both American and from other countries, will no longer return to play in Europe; some will prefer to continue their season in another league like Project B—this will notably be the case for Janelle Salaün in 2026—or Unrivaled—as exemplified recently by Dominique Malonga, who ‘broke’ her contract with Fenerbahçe. This is a genuine seismic event that will deplete national leagues and the Euroleague.
All salaries are HERE.
Gabby Williams (Golden State Valkyries) $1,190,000 (€1,010,400)
Valériane Ayayi (Phoenix Mercury) $500,000 (€425,500)
Janelle Salaün (Golden State Valkyries) $500,000 (€425,500)
Dominique Malonga (Seattle Storm) $466,913 (€396,455)
Iliana Rupert (Golden State Valkyries) $450,000 (€382,000)
Leïla Lacan (Connecticut Sun) $289,133 (€245,500)
All salaries are annual.
