By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-03 14:03:16 | Updated at 2024-10-05 17:42:09
2 days ago
Former WNBA star Gabby Williams' overseas debut in Turkey was brought to a dramatic halt on Wednesday night after fireworks were thrown onto the court by spectators.
Williams, who sensationally quit the WNBA after hitting out at Caitlin Clark's earnings and the league's pay structure this week, has joined Turkish team Fenerbahce S.K. after calling time on her recent stint with the Seattle Storm.
Yet on her debut for Fenerbahce, the American-French power forward had to be rushed to safety with her teammates and the opposition when fans in attendance began to throw fireworks onto the court.
In terrifying scenes during the first quarter of their FIBA Super Cup showdown with Besiktas, referees had no choice but to put the game on pause after pyrotechnics were launched in their direction.
Former WNBA star Gabby Williams' overseas debut in Turkey was brought to a dramatic halt
Williams sensationally quit the WNBA after hitting out at the league's pay structure this week
Williams was seen looking concerned as Fenerbahce stars were instructed to return to the locker room amid fears for their safety.
Fortunately no players or officials were injured by the fireworks, but the game did not resume on Wednesday night and will instead restart on Thursday with the same time and score as when it was stopped.
Williams and Fenerbahce were leading 4-2 at the time of the stoppage.
The ex-Seattle player made headlines earlier this week with her astonishing rant about salaries in the WNBA, which she claims fall well below what players such as Clark truly deserve.
The Indiana Fever sensation helped the WNBA enjoy record viewing figures and a huge spike in attendances this season, though her rookie year also included allegations of bullying and racial privilege.
Williams recently hit out at WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert for comments she made about the earning potential for players in the league.
Engelbert previously claimed that WNBA players can make up to $700,000 a year, only for Williams to insist: 'That's actually not true at all. There's not one player who makes that.'
But her debut for Turkish team Fenerbahce was stopped after fireworks were thrown on court
Match officials could be seen wincing as spectators launched pyrotechnics from the stands
The 28-year-old, a first-round draft pick by the Chicago Sky in 2018, added: 'We were promised team marketing agreements and league marketing agreements, but they've fallen quite short.
'So it's still not enough for us international players to want to stay here. And that's a choice of the players.
'If I make a choice to make more money, whatever, and then teams are mad that I don't come back, but that's how it is.'
One Clark fan then pointed out that the Indiana Fever star's earnings had in fact surpassed $700,000 during her rookie season. That is despite her base WNBA salary being just $76,000.
Williams slammed the WNBA for underpaying stars such as Caitlin Clark (pictured) this week
Williams responded to the fan on social media, insisting that she was referring only to WNBA pay - not money made through sponsorships and other outside deals.
'Clark makes $70,000 in the WNBA,' Williams said. 'So I know all these Caitlin Clark fans are like "Caitlin Clark makes $700,000".
'That's off of endorsements... to everyone saying "leave the country, if you’re unhappy in America", I did.'
