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I don't get it- why is Gabby Williams ineligible for the season when other teams' foreign players (like Johannes, for example,) are talked about coming in June?

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Because the new Prioritization rules don't apply to players with 0, 1 or 2 Years of Service in the WNBA. Johannes has only played two seasons in the WNBA, so for now is exempt. All explained in the Prioritization article: https://herhoopstats.substack.com/p/wnba-prioritization-expained

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What I don't get is why people keep saying Williams would be subject to the 1% per day penalty. The Prioritization section of the CBA address three classes of players: (1) those under contract prior to the start of training camp (CBA section 9(a)(i)); (2) those who sign contracts during camp (section 9(a)(ii)); and (3) anyone else (section 9(a)(iii)). The 1% penalty applies to classes (1) and (2). The only restriction on class (3) players, which I understand Williams to be, is that they must complete any "off-season playing obligation" prior to the start of the regular season. As I read it, Williams would not be subject to the 1% fine if she comes back and signs, but her eligibility would turn on whether the "termination" (as some articles have it) or "suspension" (as other articles describe it) of her French contract amounts to "completion" of her obligation.

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In discussions with people, I have pointed out this same loophole in how they've written the rules. Apparently, a lot of people in the League think they'll apply the fines to Williams anyway. But I agree with you - it sure seems like if she pushed it, or got her own lawyer, or whatever, then she'd win and avoid the fines.

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I'm quite sure she and Lindsay Kagawa Colas have access to excellent legal representation.

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