The Women’s EuroLeague basketball season opens this Wednesday against an unprecedented talent drain, as top European stars increasingly bypass European fixtures in favor of lucrative short-term contracts in the United States, according to a report published by Le Figaro.
The New American Leagues Alter European Rosters
Le Figaro reported that this season’s fixture list has been heavily disrupted by the emergence of high-paying American competitions. The 3×3 league Unrivaled has secured commitments for its 2027 season running from January to March, drawing away prominent names who previously anchored Turkish and European powerhouses. Gabby Williams and Kayla McBride have left Fenerbahçe, while Marine Johannès has transferred to Galatasaray.
Project B Launches Alongside Unrivaled
Alongside the established Unrivaled circuit, a new 5×5 touring league named Project B launches early next year. Co-founded in part by former NBA star Russell Westbrook, the circuit has successfully recruited several marquee international names. French internationals Leïla Lacan and Valériane Ayayi have committed to the new venture, alongside Spain’s Awa Fam and Germany’s Leonie Fiebich, both formerly of Valencia.
Lacan and Salaün Navigate Split Calendars
Leïla Lacan’s schedule highlights the flexible, à la carte approach now defining elite women’s basketball. After playing in the WNBA with the Connecticut Sun over the summer, the former Basket Landes playmaker will balance Project B commitments alongside the reigning EuroLeague champion Fenerbahçe this season. Meanwhile, Janelle Salaün opted out of Project B and will instead join Galatasaray following her WNBA Finals appearance with Golden State, which begins Saturday.
French Clubs Retain Ambitious Rosters
Despite significant departures, French clubs have reloaded for the continental campaign. Galatasaray added American interior Natasha Howard and Marine Fauthoux, who returns to Europe following a 2025–26 recovery season and a strong summer with the New York Liberty. Fenerbahçe replaced head coach Miguel Mendez with Ahmet Caki, retained Belgian star Emma Meesseman, and added French internationals Tima Pouye and Nell Angloma to join Lacan. USK Praha welcomes French additions Pauline Astier, Migna Touré, and Aminata Gueye. Bourges and Basket Landes enter the group stage via the double-round pool phases, while Charleville-Mézières advanced to the group phase after defeating Venice in the playoffs.
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