Dominique Malonga, selected as the second overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA draft, is set to join Unrivaled for the 2026 season. This announcement was made by the 3on3 league on a Thursday. The talented 6foot6 French center had an impressive rookie year, averaging 7.7 points with a shooting percentage of 55% and 4.6 rebounds in 14.3 minutes per game.
Young Talent on the Move
At just 19 years old, Malonga was the youngest player in the WNBA last season and earned a spot on the AllRookie Team. Her recent signing with Unrivaled follows a significant development involving her previous contract with Fenerbahçe, a professional women’s basketball club in Istanbul, Turkey.
Contract Termination and Legal Claims
- Fenerbahçe announced that Malonga “unilaterally terminated her professional player contract” without just cause.
- The club stated it would pursue legal action for compensation regarding material and moral damages.
Clearing the Path for Overseas Play
Malonga’s participation in overseas basketball necessitated the WNBA’s endorsement of FIBA’s “letter of clearance” system. This system ensures that players can contractually participate in multiple leagues while confirming they have met their prior obligations. To enable her return to the WNBA in 2026, a letter of clearance from the Turkish federation must be obtained via Fenerbahçe.
Inclusion in Unrivaled’s Roster
Sources indicate Malonga is not required to present this clearance to compete in Unrivaled. The league also welcomed Aari McDonald and Rebecca Allen as the latest additions for its second season. Unfortunately, DiJonai Carrington had to withdraw due to a recovery process from a significant left midfoot sprain.
Exciting Season Ahead
Malonga, along with McDonald and Allen, will join 16 other new players, including notable names like Kelsey Plum and Paige Bueckers. The Unrivaled league is scheduled to commence its season on January 5, promising excitement for basketball fans.