Phoenix Mercury clear Valeriane Ayayi, spotlighting issues when FIBA players join WNBA

Phoenix Mercury clear Valeriane Ayayi, spotlighting issues when FIBA players join WNBA

Phoenix Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi has received her letter of clearance from FIBA after beginning the WNBA season under a partial-season suspension, underscoring complications players potentially face when competing in the WNBA and abroad.

Ayayi, a three-time Olympian for France and two-time medalist, signed a one-year $500,000 contract with the Mercury in free agency, according to a source familiar with the terms of her contract, but she wasn’t available for Phoenix’s first two regular-season games due to FIBA clearance issues.

The WNBA does not have an exclusivity rule and operates under FIBA’s system that allows players in the organization to sign contracts in multiple leagues. Under this policy, a player must obtain a letter of clearance from the WNBA before competing in a FIBA-affiliated league abroad. Clearance is also required from a player’s international club by way of FIBA when seeking to play in the WNBA. The letter details that a player has fulfilled the terms of their contract and is permitted to play in another league.

Ayayi played in the WNBA in 2015 for the San Antonio Stars, now the Las Vegas Aces. She averaged 2.3 points and 1.8 rebounds in 16 games. She has since built a successful career overseas playing for the French national team and most recently, USK Praha in the Czech Republic. Ayayi was signed to a multiyear deal with USK Praha with an opt-out, according to a source briefed on the terms of her contract. Ayayi elected not to return to USK Praha following this season and was subject to a buyout but the club claimed they received notice late and denied her letter of clearance, according to this same source.

Evidence supporting Ayayi had fulfilled her responsibilities, including Ayayi’s contract terms and correspondence with USK Praha, was sent to FIBA, resulting in the federation granting her clearance to play in the WNBA on Tuesday. She was subsequently upgraded to available for the Mercury’s home game against the Lynx on Tuesday evening.