Jan 15, 2026; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; Former UConn Huskies Breanna Stewart, Kiah Stokes, Katie Lou Samuelson and Morgan Tuck on the court as the UConn women’s basketball team celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its 2015 and 2016 NCAA Championships and the induction into the Huskies of Honor before the start of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Back For Three: Two-Time Euro Champ Stewart Returns To Fenerbahçe

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Levi Omeke | Last updated Feb 18, 2026 9:01 PM ET

New York Liberty star and two-time EuroLeague Women champion, Breanna Stewart, will play for Fenerbahçe Opet in the 2026 EuroLeague Women Final Six. WNBA training camp currently begins on April 19, the same day as the EuroLeague Final.

Stewart is not expected to be penalized under the current version of the WNBA’s prioritization rule. The rule is subject to collective bargaining.

Stewart And The New Era Of Player Autonomy

Stewart is the Vice President of the WNBPA and co-founder of Unrivaled. As women’s basketball fans, people are still waiting on CBA negotiations here in the US.

Assuming Stewart is getting a monster bag from Fenerbahçe Opet for a few games, she should take it. She is a mom, and nobody is taking care of her child if something happens.

Stewart’s overseas return is a purely tactical play for negotiations. The WNBA has been at an 18-month stalemate, and the league thinks the players are going to fold.

This is a pivotal power move in favor of Stewart and the players; fans cannot wait to cheer for them where they are valued. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert had better pay up, because if the league does not value these amazing players, then overseas will.

End Of Breanna Stewart And Fenerbahçe Opet Rant

Sep 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoot against the Phoenix Mercury during the first half of game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Stewart is an impactful signing for Fenerbahçe. Even if she could not score, which is ridiculous, she would still be an absolutely incredible defender.

Stewart played with several players, like forward Emma Meesseman and shooting guard Kayla McBride, in the 2023 championship. She knows how to adapt quickly, and she is versatile.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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