Breanna Stewart rejoins Fenerbahce as WNBA future remains uncertain amid ongoing CBA talks

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Feb 17, 2026, 03:13 IST

Image credit : AP

Breanna Stewart will return to Fenerbahce Opet ahead of the EuroLeague Women playoffs, the Turkish club announced, as uncertainty surrounds the start of the 2026 WNBA season due to ongoing collective bargaining talks. Stewart previously played for Fenerbahce during the 2022–23 campaign, helping the team win the EuroLeague title while earning Final Four MVP and first-team honors. The veteran forward has also competed overseas in China and Russia, building an extensive international résumé. Her decision to play abroad comes despite co-founding the 3-on-3 league Unrivaled with Napheesa Collier, a venture designed to give players a domestic offseason alternative. Stewart acknowledged progress in CBA discussions, saying owners appear more receptive to player concerns, but the timeline remains unclear. Until an agreement is finalized, she plans to continue competing and staying game-ready in Europe, returning to familiar territory while the WNBA’s future schedule remains unsettled.

New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) looks for an opening for a pass during Game 2 in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs against the Phoenix Mercury, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

With the 2026 WNBA Season around the corner, many questions arise as Breanna Stewart is heading back to Europe to play basketball. On Monday, Fenerbahce Opet announced that Stewart will rejoin the team before the EuroLeague playoffs in April.

Stewart played for Fenerbahce during the 2022 to 2023 season and helped the club win the EuroLeague Women title. The same year, she was named Final Four MVP and earned first-team honors in the league. The 6-foot-4 forward has also spent time playing in China and Russia, adding more titles and awards to her resume over the years.

Her move comes at a time when the 2026 WNBA season does not have a clear start date because of ongoing CBA talks. Stewart recently shared that she feels better about where discussions are heading.

“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,” Stewart said on her podcast.

The signing has also raised questions about Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league Stewart co-founded with Napheesa Collier. In the past, Stewart said Unrivaled would give players a strong option at home instead of going overseas. Still, with the WNBA situation unclear, she chose to keep playing and stay ready.

“We’re not done. Hopefully, eventually, I’ll be able to be like, ‘Oh my God, it’s finished. It’s over.’ It’s going to be incredible, but until then, we just keep trucking along,” Stewart said.

For now, Stewart returns to familiar ground in Turkey while the future of the WNBA season continues to unfold.

Breanna Stewart rejoins Fenerbahce as WNBA future remains uncertain amid ongoing CBA talks

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