Liberty players overseas plans during WNBA offseason

The offseason for the WNBA is now in full swing, and several Liberty players are making plans to play overseas during the winter.

China has once again become a popular destination for players, as the country has reopened its doors to international players after implementing strict COVID-19 policies. However, due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the women’s basketball league in Israel has suspended play, leaving WNBA players without another potential option. Additionally, no Liberty players expressed interest in playing in Russia due to the ongoing war with Ukraine. This decision is likely influenced by the recent incident involving Brittney Griner, who was detained for 10 months in a Russian penal colony.

Let’s take a look at the offseason plans for the Liberty players following their run to the WNBA finals:

WHO’S GOING

Center Jonquel Jones has made it clear that she will be playing in China this offseason. However, she has not yet revealed which team she will be joining.

Forward Nyara Sabally has already headed to the Czech Republic to join EuroLeague team ZVVZ USK Praha. In her first EuroLeague game, she made an impact with four points, five rebounds, and a block.

Guard Jocelyn Willoughby will be suiting up for the Adelaide Lightning in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League. She previously played for the Sydney Flame and averaged 15 points per game last season.

Marine Johannes is currently under contract with Lyon ASVEL Féminin in France. She helped the club secure the Ligue Féminine and EuroCup Championship titles last season, averaging 15 points per game and earning the EuroCup MVP title.

Let it shine! Han Xu, Li Meng, Wang Siyu, and other players from the Sichuan team on Tuesday received the championship rings and the banner for the 2022-23 season of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association before the tip-off of the new #WCBA season. pic.twitter.com/905Z9nMC2x

— Sports China (@PDChinaSports) October 18, 2023

Chinese center Han Xu will be staying in her home country and playing for Sichuan Yuanda in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association. She will be joined by Li Meng, who was selected to the 2023 WNBA All-Rookie Team.

ON THE FENCE

Superstar Breanna Stewart is still uncertain about her offseason plans and addressed rumors of her potentially playing in China. She clarified that she has not committed to anything yet and is keeping her options open.

In her exit interview, Stewart mentioned that she and her wife, Marta, are expecting their second child soon. Once their family has settled in, Stewart may make a decision about her future plans.

Forward Kayla Thornton and center Stefanie Dolson have not announced their plans for the offseason yet.

STAYING HOME

Sabrina Ionescu will be staying in the United States and participating with USA Basketball. She has been selected to the 16-player roster for exhibition games in November.

Betnijah Laney has also been named to the USA team. She stated that she does not plan on playing overseas and believes that rest will be beneficial for her body, considering her history of injuries.

Courtney Vandersloot is looking forward to enjoying a full WNBA offseason for the first time in her 13-year career. However, she did not rule out the possibility of considering overseas opportunities.