Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga hasn’t arrived yet at WNBA training camp, but no one should panic.
On Sunday, every team across the league opened training camp. While many players completed their first practice with teammates for the upcoming season, some were noticeably absent, including Malonga. Per ESPN‘s Kevin Pelton, the 19-year-old center didn’t attend the Storm’s first practice, and there isn’t a timetable for her arrival.
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While that may seem like a reason to worry, Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn provided a small update that seems to indicate the Storm are on top of the situation. “We’re in communication with her,” Quinn said. “We’ll get some updates this week.”
Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft, was not in attendance at the Seattle Storm’s opening day of training camp on Sunday, per @ESPN_WomenHoop.
Malonga’s season in France ended Wednesday after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the LFB playoffs. There is no… pic.twitter.com/HalWy6eWC4
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 28, 2025
Not convinced? Here’s more to consider.
Since Malonga has less than three years of WNBA experience, she isn’t subject to the WNBA’s prioritization rule. (The prioritization rule requires players to prioritize the WNBA over international play. Any athlete with three years or more of WNBA experience must report to their team by the start of training camp or by May 1 ― whichever is later― or risk being fined or suspended.)
So, Malonga, who just finished playing in the LFB playoffs, could reasonably take time to prepare for her tenure with the Storm and join the WNBA when she’s ready. Furthermore, to calm any remaining fears fans might have, Malonga signed her rookie contract on April 18, another sign that she likely intends to play this season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dominique Malonga’s absence from WNBA training camp isn’t a big deal
Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga hasn’t arrived yet at WNBA training camp, but no one should panic.
On Sunday, every team across the league opened training camp. While many players completed their first practice with teammates for the upcoming season, some were noticeably absent, including Malonga. Per ESPN‘s Kevin Pelton, the 19-year-old center didn’t attend the Storm’s first practice, and there isn’t a timetable for her arrival.
WNBA:Paige Bueckers reveals 1big difference between the WNBA and college
While that may seem like a reason to worry, Seattle head coach Noelle Quinn provided a small update that seems to indicate the Storm are on top of the situation. “We’re in communication with her,” Quinn said. “We’ll get some updates this week.”
Dominique Malonga, the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft, was not in attendance at the Seattle Storm’s opening day of training camp on Sunday, per @ESPN_WomenHoop.
Malonga’s season in France ended Wednesday after being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the LFB playoffs. There is no… pic.twitter.com/HalWy6eWC4
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) April 28, 2025
Not convinced? Here’s more to consider.
Since Malonga has less than three years of WNBA experience, she isn’t subject to the WNBA’s prioritization rule. (The prioritization rule requires players to prioritize the WNBA over international play. Any athlete with three years or more of WNBA experience must report to their team by the start of training camp or by May 1 ― whichever is later― or risk being fined or suspended.)
So, Malonga, who just finished playing in the LFB playoffs, could reasonably take time to prepare for her tenure with the Storm and join the WNBA when she’s ready. Furthermore, to calm any remaining fears fans might have, Malonga signed her rookie contract on April 18, another sign that she likely intends to play this season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Dominique Malonga’s absence from WNBA training camp isn’t a big deal
