In the competitive world of the WNBA, stability is a luxury. Haley Jones, with a guaranteed position for two years at the Atlanta Dream, experienced the dizzying effect of changing teams in a matter of weeks, emptying drawers to adapt to new realities. Alongside her, other players like Julie Vanloo, Shyanne Sellers, Harmoni Turner, and Diamond DeShields, experienced firsthand the uncertainty that defines life on the margins of the league.
The 2025 WNBA season reflected this dynamic. With 38 drafted players and 151 veterans, the supply exceeded the demand, leaving many without a place in the league. The lack of a development league like the NBA exacerbates the situation, forcing players to face the anguish of unemployment and the constant search for opportunities.
The need to cover absences due to injuries or international commitments opens doors, but also poses dilemmas: Should I wait for a new opportunity or abandon the dream? Where to live, who to train with, and how to pay the bills? The pressure is constant, and the fundamental question is always present: Will I be good enough to secure a stable position?In the case of Haley Jones, the story is a clear example. After being released by the Atlanta Dream, her initial team, and then by the Phoenix Mercury, she finally found a place with the Dallas Wings. Despite the changes and uncertainty, Jones proved her worth on the court.
“That was a rollercoaster, wasn’t it?”
Haley Jones
Diamond DeShields, a league star and WNBA champion, also experienced the bitter side of the profession. After being released by the Connecticut Sun, she faced the difficult task of packing and seeking a new direction. The lack of a suitable vehicle to transport her belongings and the uncertainty about her professional future were just some of the obstacles she had to overcome.Julie Vanloo, for her part, experienced market volatility. After a fleeting stint with the Golden State Valkyries, she was cut and had to move to New York in the hope of getting a position with the Sparks of Los Angeles. Her determination led her to train and wait, until she was finally called.
Shyanne Sellers, selected in the 2025 draft, also suffered the impact of being released by two teams in a matter of weeks. After the disappointment, she found solace in her family and the persistence of her dream, seeking new opportunities.Harmoni Turner, fresh out of Harvard, also suffered the blow of not being selected, which led her to question her future in basketball.These stories demonstrate the difficulty of life on the margins of the WNBA, where resilience, perseverance, and adaptability are essential to survive and achieve success.
Despite the challenges, hope persists. DeShields found an opportunity in Europe, while Turner focuses on returning stronger to the league. Sellers, for his part, continues to wait for his opportunity with the hope that his moment will come.
In the case of Haley Jones, after the uncertainty, she found a place in Dallas, proving that perseverance is key in this sport.The league’s expansion with the arrival of teams like Toronto and Portland promises more opportunities, but the competition will remain fierce. The path to success in the WNBA is uncertain, but the passion for basketball and the constant search for opportunities are the engine that drives these players to keep fighting for their dreams.
