Dominique Malonga's FIBA Clearance Clears the Path for Storm's Season Opener

The Seattle Storm finally got the news they needed. Dominique Malonga, the team's second-year star and No. 2 overall pick from the 2025 draft, received her letter of clearance from FIBA on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Alexa Philippou. Translation: she's eligible to play in the 2026 WNBA season, and the Storm can stop holding their breath.

The Contract Standoff Is Over

Malonga, a 20-year-old French phenom who can dunk, had been locked in a contract dispute with Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe. The club wasn't going to let her go without a fight. She signed a three-year deal with Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2025, but then things got messy. Malonga unilaterally terminated the contract, which kicked off this whole clearance process that had the Storm waiting to see if she'd actually be available for the season.

Now that FIBA has signed off, that uncertainty is gone. The Storm can move forward knowing their young franchise cornerstone is cleared to play.

The Valkyries Are Coming to Climate Pledge Arena

The Storm's season opens May 8 against the Golden State Valkyries at Climate Pledge Arena. With Malonga now cleared and ready, Seattle will have its full roster available for what should be an exciting start to the year. This is the moment fans have been waiting for.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.