Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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Liberty star Breanna Stewart is planning to return to Euroleague’s Fenerbahce Opet in Turkey in April as uncertainty regarding the 2026 WNBA season looms. Fenerbahce announced on Tuesday that Stewart re-signed with the Turkish club and plans to help the club with its playoff push. Stewart’s return to Fenerbahce comes as WNBA collective bargaining negotiations continue, with a potential delayed start to the 2026 season not out of the question.
Why it matters
Stewart’s decision to play overseas highlights the ongoing challenges WNBA players face in balancing their careers between the WNBA and international leagues. The uncertainty around the 2026 WNBA season due to the CBA negotiations also raises questions about the league’s stability and ability to retain top talent like Stewart.
The details
Stewart last played for Fenerbahce during the 2022-23 season, leading the franchise to its first EuroLeague women’s championship and being named the Final Four MVP. She did not play during the 2023-24 WNBA offseason as she and Napheesa Collier launched their 3-on-3 basketball league, Unrivaled, in an effort to give players more opportunities to stay stateside during the WNBA offseason. Stewart is expected to suit up for Fenerbahce’s Final Six playoff push in Zaragoza, Spain in April.
Fenerbahce announced Stewart’s re-signing on Tuesday, February 16, 2026.The Final Six in Zaragoza, Spain that Stewart plans to play in runs from April 15-19, 2026.
The players
Breanna Stewart
A star player for the New York Liberty in the WNBA who has won multiple championships and MVP awards. She is an unrestricted free agent in the WNBA but has publicly shared plans to re-sign with the Liberty for the 2026 season.
Fenerbahce Opet
A professional women’s basketball team in Turkey that plays in the EuroLeague Women’s competition. Stewart previously played for Fenerbahce during the 2022-23 season, leading the team to its first EuroLeague women’s championship.
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What they’re saying
“I’m feeling better. I’m feeling like the owners are finally really acknowledging and being receptive of what we want and the players as well.”
— Breanna Stewart (Game Recognize Game with Stewie and Myles Turner podcast)
What’s next
The WNBA’s 2026 season is scheduled to open on May 8, but a delayed start is possible as labor negotiations between the league and players’ union continue. Any changes to the league’s prioritization rules are unlikely to apply to the first year of the new CBA.
The takeaway
Stewart’s decision to return to Fenerbahce highlights the ongoing challenges WNBA players face in balancing their careers between the WNBA and overseas leagues, as well as the uncertainty surrounding the 2026 WNBA season due to the ongoing CBA negotiations between the league and players’ union.