Seattle Storm star under fire amid controversial contract decision

In July, Fenerbahce's women's team -- one of the most successful basketball teams in the world -- announced it had signed Dominique Malonga to a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

Malonga, the Seattle Storm's rookie phenom, was in the midst of her debut season after she arrived in the United States as the second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. By the time her record-breaking rookie year ended, France-born Malonga came to be regarded as a star of the future -- and she had been expected to debut with Turkish giants Fenerbahce this week, in a EuroLeague contest against Olympiacos.

But instead, Malonga has surprised many observers -- not least of which, Istanbul-based Fenerbahce -- by opting to "unilaterally terminate" her contract "without just cause."

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Malonga's surprise move stems from a dislocated wrist, an injury she sustained during the WNBA season; last week, Malonga announced via TikTok she had undergone surgery to repair the injury.

The surprise move to back out of her Fenerbahce contract has led to further suggestions that Malonga, 19, may be preparing to play in the domestic Unrivaled league this offseason instead of returning to Europe. Fenerbahce, which has won a record 19 Turkish Women's Basketball Super League titles, revealed in a statement on the Malonga matter that it will consider legal proceedings amid the contract termination.

The Fenerbahce controversy may be an unwelcome distraction for Malonga and the Storm, but it also shows the high regard in which the 6'6'' forward is held. In 42 games as a rookie in the WNBA, Malonga averaged 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 stocks (steals and blocks) across 14.3 minutes per game. With the Storm likely to hire a new coach to replace the fired Noelle Quinn in the coming weeks, Malonga's role is set to expand in year two as a bright professional future awaits her.

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