The WNBA is now just days away from returning but there is still plenty of news from around the league as teams make their final preparations.

The anticipation is building as the WNBA gears up to return in less than a week’s time, with fans eager to see stars like Angel Reese from Chicago Sky and Caitlin Clark from Indiana Fever hit the court. The current reigning champions, New York Liberty, are aiming to retain their title, and rookie stars Hailey Van Lith and Paige Bueckers will be keen to leave their mark on the league. Despite the season’s start being just around the corner, the competition’s landscape for 2025 is still changing.

In the latest WNBA developments, teams are making serious changes and refining their line-ups even as the opening games loom on May 16. Here, we have delved into the latest news surrounding women’s basketball, including one veteran’s decision to step down and an exciting game that ended in a heated exchange.

Gabby Williams makes major announcement

In a significant announcement, Gabby Williams, the current Seattle Storm and Fenerbahce forward, has declared her intention to skip EuroBasket this summer.

With 147 WNBA games under her belt and an Olympic silver medal from the Paris Games in 2024, the decision no doubt carries weight for the 28-year-old. Williams expressed her feelings regarding the decision on social media, as she said: “After careful consideration, I have made the difficult decision not to participate in EuroBasket 2025.

“This is a personal choice I did not take lightly, and I will remain the number one supporter of the French national team. I wish my teammates and staff the best for this competition.”

Even though EuroBasket starts on June 18, the Fenerbahce standout is prioritising her stateside commitments.

Angel Reese forced to say goodbye to teammates

Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky will have to cope with key departures from their squad, as the regular season approaches on May 16. The team have been required to let go of some players in order to meet the WNBA’s maximum roster limit of 12.

Due to this rule, veteran star Morgan Bertsch, guard Alex Wilson and centre Jessika Carter have been released. This decision appears to indicate that rookies Maddy Westbeld and Van Lith will be staying with the Sky for the time being.

The departure of Bertsch, Willson and Carter may not shock some, as new head coach Tyler Marsh chose not to field the trio in the team’s final pre-season match.

Caitlin Clark’s behaviour at pre-season game

Former Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark, was visibly upset with the refereeing during one of Indiana Fever’s preseason games. Clark’s squad defeated the Atlanta Dream 81-76, but the 23-year-old wasn’t pleased with the standard of officiating.

Clark was clearly angry after a foul call was not awarded to her. It has now come to light that the talented star had a heated exchange with one of the officials following the incident.

Social media footage shows Clark telling the official: “No one cares. No one cares.”

The Fever are set to kick off their 2025 regular season against Reese’s Sky, with all eyes expected to be on the rivalry.

Lynx forward Dorka Juhasz will sit out the upcoming WNBA season after an extensive amount of action on the court of late. The 25-year-old Hungarian star is set to miss the campaign after “playing year-round for the last two years”, according to a release from the team.

Juhasz is currently competing in the Italian league finals with Famila Schio. She was chosen by Minnesota in the second round of the 2023 WNBA Draft from the University of Connecticut, after a five-year college stint.

Last season, she averaged 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game, following an average of 6.0 points per game in her rookie year. The Lynx, having concluded their pre-season last week, are set to commence their regular season this Friday against the Dallas Wings.