Anneli Maley returns to Liberty on DP deal for 2026 season after New York waives Alex Fowler<\/p>\n
Australian WNBA rollercoaster rider Anneli Maley <\/a>has signed as a development player with the New York Liberty<\/a> for the remainder of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n Maley, 27, earned a training camp contract<\/a> with the Liberty in early May, was waived before being picked up by the Phoenix Mercury but was waived again<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Liberty announced this morning Maley had returned to the Big Apple after yesterday waiving Townsville Fire WNBL26 champion Alex Fowler, who was also on a development player contract. It appears Maley has taken Fowler’s roster spot.<\/p>\n Two Australians are on the Liberty roster: veteran Rebecca Allen,<\/a> and Maley<\/a>. <\/p>\n What is a Development Player Contract Worth<\/p>\n The WNBA\u2019s new development player system also created a fresh pathway for Australians trying to break into permanent rosters. Under the league\u2019s 2026 collective bargaining agreement, development players receive a USD $750 weekly stipend (approximately AUD $1,050) that does not count against a team\u2019s salary cap, while players activated for games earn USD $6,136 per appearance (approximately AUD $8,550). Teams are permitted to carry up to two development players, who can practice and travel with the main squad and be activated for a maximum of 12 games during the season.<\/p>\n What is a Training Camp ContractNo guaranteed salaryPlayers are only paid if they make the final roster<\/p>\n If they don\u2019t make the team: Usually receive a small camp stipend (a few thousand USD at most)<\/p>\n If they do make the roster: Convert to a standard WNBA contract. Minimum salary \u2248 USD $64,000+<\/p>\n The New York Liberty have signed forward Anneli Maley to a developmental player contract, the team announced today.<\/p>\n Welcome back to NY, Maley!\ud83d\uddfd pic.twitter.com\/j5ThnbHpjN<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Maley is now the third Australian to earn a development player contract after WNBL teammates Fowler and Miela Sowah, who was signed by the Golden State Valkyries, were locked in for the 2026 season as DPs.<\/p>\n Maley impressed during New York\u2019s preseason campaign, producing 13 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes in the Liberty\u2019s 79-67 win against the Connecticut Sun on May 4, 2026 (AEDT). She shot 3-from-5 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line before being waived at final cuts.<\/p>\n Days later, Phoenix handed her another opportunity as the Mercury reshaped their frontcourt depth around a roster that includes Opals<\/a> veteran Sami Whitcomb<\/a>.<\/p>\n Maley then appeared in Phoenix\u2019s season-opening win<\/a> against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces<\/a>, finishing with one point and two rebounds in six minutes as the Mercury spoiled Las Vegas\u2019 ring ceremony with a 99-66 victory.<\/p>\n