Domnique Malonga is 19 and, with her basketball IQ and abilities, made her mark in the WNBA against top pro athletes of the game. While many critics and analysts are praising the star for her first-year performances, there is still a lot to learn and scope for development.
Fans were not amazed when Malonga shared her offseason move to Turkey to play for the Fenerbahçe club. With the scope of returning as one of the elite paint players, it was a wise decision. But now, the news of Malonga’s ‘U-turn’ from the decision and the club’s proposed actions is shocking.
Fenerbahçe To Take Serious Action Against Dominique Malonga
In 42 games as a rookie in the WNBA, the French star averaged 7.7 points and 4.6 rebounds with a block and a steal per game. Interestingly, she played in 14.3 minutes per contest, which makes her contribution even more impressive. While the Storm is replacing HC Noelle Quinn in the coming days, he player’s development was expected to continue via participation in other leagues.
But as per reports, the player opted to “unilaterally terminate” her contract “without just cause.” While the situation causes much ambiguity, the champion club is looking to take legal action against the Storm forward.
Kamuoyuna Duyuru
— Fenerbahçe Opet (@fbkadinbasket) October 20, 2025
Fenerbahçe Opet Kadın Basketbol Takımımızın oyuncularından Dominique Malonga, kulübümüz ile arasında geçerli olan profesyonel oyuncu sözleşmesini, tek taraflı ve haklı bir sebebe dayanmaksızın feshetmiştir.
Bu süreçte, kulübümüzün uğradığı her türlü maddi ve… pic.twitter.com/BNcj0sZJLA
One reason for backing out of the contract would be injury. The youngster suffered a wrist injury during a playoff game and underwent surgery. But the situation was clear at the time of contract signing, which raises questions over her intentions to take drastic decisions.
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As the statement reads, “Fenerbahçe plans to exercise its legal rights to seek compensation for any material/moral damages incurred throughout the process.”
Many suggest that she is willing to stay in the US and play in the Unrivaled league. While the new league offers more money, it has a 3-on-3 game format, which is entirely different from the traditional 5-on-5 basketball game.
Dominique Malonga Earns All-Rookie Honor
On draft night, the second overall pick was tough competition for the Rookie of the Year award, but HC Noelle played with patience and gradually improved her role on the team. Although the star didn’t finish in the top-3 for the Rookie of the Year accolade, she earned a spot on the All-Rookie team with Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen.
Over her All-Rookie team members, the French star even played in the playoffs. Malonga set a record as the youngest player to score a double-double in a postseason game, showcasing her abilities against the eventual winners, the Las Vegas Aces.
While her future in the WNBA looks bright, her ‘Fenerbahçe’ saga might put her on the blacklist of European clubs.