Anneli Maley re-signs with New York Liberty

• Track Australians in the WNBA through our Player Hub
• Visit our Latest Aussie News hub for WNBA signings and updates
• Check the WNBA Schedule + Results for every game and score

Australian WNBA rollercoaster rider Anneli Maley has signed as a development player with the New York Liberty for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Maley, 27, earned a training camp contract with the Liberty in early May, was waived before being picked up by the Phoenix Mercury but was waived again.

The Liberty announced this morning Maley had returned to the Big Apple after yesterday waiving Townsville Fire WNBL26 champion Alex Fowler, who was also on a development player contract. It appears Maley has taken Fowler's roster spot.

Two Australians are on the Liberty roster: veteran Rebecca Allen, and Maley.

What is a Development Player Contract Worth

The WNBA’s new development player system also created a fresh pathway for Australians trying to break into permanent rosters. Under the league’s 2026 collective bargaining agreement, development players receive a USD $750 weekly stipend (approximately AUD $1,050) that does not count against a team’s salary cap, while players activated for games earn USD $6,136 per appearance (approximately AUD $8,550). Teams are permitted to carry up to two development players, who can practice and travel with the main squad and be activated for a maximum of 12 games during the season.

What is a Training Camp Contract

• No guaranteed salary
• Players are only paid if they make the final roster

If they don’t make the team: Usually receive a small camp stipend (a few thousand USD at most)

If they do make the roster: Convert to a standard WNBA contract. Minimum salary ≈ USD $64,000+

Maley is now the third Australian to earn a development player contract after WNBL teammates Fowler and Miela Sowah, who was signed by the Golden State Valkyries, were locked in for the 2026 season as DPs.

Maley impressed during New York’s preseason campaign, producing 13 points and six rebounds in 24 minutes in the Liberty’s 79-67 win against the Connecticut Sun on May 4, 2026 (AEDT). She shot 3-from-5 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line before being waived at final cuts.

Days later, Phoenix handed her another opportunity as the Mercury reshaped their frontcourt depth around a roster that includes Opals veteran Sami Whitcomb.

Maley then appeared in Phoenix’s season-opening win against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, finishing with one point and two rebounds in six minutes as the Mercury spoiled Las Vegas’ ring ceremony with a 99-66 victory.

Follow basketball.com.au on Google →