🚨 JUST IN: Emma Meesseman opts out of the WNBA season and leaves fans stunned with her blunt explanation that it couldn’t be done ⚡.BT

The world-class player received multiple offers from American teams to join them after her European season—this year with Turkish club Fenerbahce—but “it wouldn’t be feasible,” Meesseman says. “That would be asking for a new injury. I also long for a bit of calm.”

For years, Meesseman has combined playing for a top European club with the American WNBA, which almost seamlessly overlaps. On top of that, international championships such as the Olympics or World Cups also need to be scheduled. Last season, she had to withdraw from the World Cup in Australia with the Belgian Cats due to an injury. What had been looming is now confirmed: for the super-important European Championship, where the Cats can take another step toward the Olympics, she does not want to take any risks. “Of course, I couldn’t decide before knowing whether we’d make it to the EuroBasket. The qualification is now secured, and it’s going to be busy enough anyway.”

Julie Allemand, another key player for the Cats, is also skipping the WNBA this season to focus on the EuroBasket. Meesseman adds: “For the Cats, this is a good thing. I am giving up some income, but in return, I get rest, and that means a lot.”