Belgian Star Julie Allemand Claims Fenerbahçe Would Be Top Contender If They Played In WNBA

The WNBA 2026 season will start within hours as the league and fans welcome two new franchises, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Portland Fire landed first pick in WNBA expansion draft, and later the Tempo team selected veteran guard Julie Allemand as its first player in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft.

The former Sparks star was playing in the EuroLeague with Fenerbahce and went on to win the title. And now playing for the expansion team in the WNBA, she mentioned that her European team would have been a contender for the title.

Julie Allemand Shows Confidence In Her European Team

The WNBA commissioner was happy with the league’s growth and spoke about playing in Europe next season. This was one of the steps as the WNBA Europe League is in serious discussions and could launch alongside NBA Europe in 2027. Amid this, the Toronto Tempo star sought a cross-league matchup in which she put her Fenerbahce team in the WNBA.

In a recent interview, she said, “I think if I played with my team from Fenerbahçe and we come here in [the] W – I’m sure we can be top four.”

“I think if I played with my team from Fenerbahçe and we come here in [the] W – I’m sure we can be top four.”

•Julie Allemand was candid today about her time with the reigning EuroLeague Women champions and what that experience brings to the Toronto Tempo. pic.twitter.com/drJ0IUsLqd

— Savanna Hamilton (@SavHamilton11) May 4, 2026

She added that the Fenerbahce team has a strong lineup with Kayla McBride, Gabby Williams, and Emma Messeman playing key roles in their recent championship run, with Allemand winning the MVP title in 2026. The Fenerbahce, with a number of top WNBA stars, will certainly be one of the most interesting teams in the league.

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The player also mentioned that she is now like a mentor for many players in the Tempo team.

Julie Allemand To Be Veteran Support For Expansion Team

As the first-ever player selected by the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA expansion draft, 29-year-old Belgian guard brings invaluable veteran experience to a new franchise. Her role as a steady, cerebral floor general is critical for a team looking to build immediate competitiveness from the ground up.

Brondello: Julie Allemand will have significant role for Tempo.

(via @chelsealeite)

— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 28, 2026

With multiple seasons in the WNBA, including time with Indiana, Chicago, and Los Angeles—and vast international experience, Allemand offers the poise needed to guide younger teammates and rookies through the pressure of an inaugural season.

Known for high-level playmaking and elite court vision, Allemand averaged 5 assists per game in 2025, proving her ability to connect scorers and elevate the team’s offensive flow. Her ability to control the pace, coupled with a selfless, team-first mentality, allows her to act as a coach on the floor, providing crucial stability to Sandy Brondello’s system. Allemand’s presence ensures Toronto can play methodical, high-IQ basketball immediately, making her a foundational pillar for Tempo’s long-term success.