Former WNBA star Gabby Williams’ overseas debut in Turkey was dramatically halted on Wednesday evening after spectators threw fireworks onto the field.
Williams, who sensationally left the WNBA after being hit with Caitlin Clark’s earnings and the league’s wage structure this week, has joined Turkish team Fenerbahce SK after calling time on her recent stint with the Seattle Storm.
But on her debut for Fenerbahce, the American-French power forward had to be dragged to safety along with her teammates and the opposition when fans in attendance began throwing fireworks onto the pitch.
In terrifying scenes during the first quarter of their FIBA Super Cup showdown with Besiktas, the referees had no choice but to pause the match after fireworks were launched in their direction.
Former WNBA star Gabby Williams’ overseas debut in Turkey was brought to a dramatic halt
Williams sensationally left the WNBA after attacking the league’s pay structure this week
Williams looked concerned as Fenerbahce stars were ordered to return to the dressing room amid fears for their safety.
Fortunately, no players or officials were injured by the fireworks, but the game did not resume Wednesday night and will instead resume Thursday with the same time and score as when it was stopped.
Williams and Fenerbahce were leading 4-2 at the time of the interruption.
The former Seattle player made headlines earlier this week with her astonishing rant about WNBA salaries, which she claims are well below what players like Clark actually earn.
The Indiana Fever sensation led the WNBA to record ratings and a huge spike in attendance this season, although her rookie year also included accusations of bullying and racial privilege.
Williams recently contacted WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert about 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, but Williams insisted: “That’s actually not true at all. There is not one player who makes that.’
But her debut for Turkish side Fenerbahce was halted after fireworks were thrown on the court
The match officials could be seen wincing as spectators launched fireworks from the stands
The 28-year-old, a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Sky in 2018, added: “We were promised team marketing agreements and league marketing agreements, but they have fallen quite short.
‘So it is still not enough that we as international players want to stay here. And that is a choice of the players.
“If I make the choice to make more money, whatever, and then the teams are upset that I’m not coming back, but that’s the way it is.”
A fan of Clark then pointed out that the Indiana Fever star’s earnings had actually surpassed $700,000 during her rookie season. That’s despite the fact that her WNBA base salary is just $76,000.
Williams slammed the WNBA this week for underpaid stars like Caitlin Clark (pictured).
Williams responded to the fan on social media, emphasizing that she was only referring to the WNBA payment, and 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 saying, ‘Caitlin Clark makes $700,000.’
“That’s not an expression of support… to anyone who says, ‘Leave the country if you’re unhappy in America,’ that’s what I did.”