Reasons why Liz Cambage left WNBA, Sparks extend beyond player pay mentioned on Instagram post

Gilbert McGregor

Reasons why Liz Cambage left WNBA, Sparks extend beyond player pay mentioned on Instagram post image

Four-time WNBA All-Star Liz Cambage has shed some light on her abrupt departure from the Los Angeles Sparks during the 2022 season.

In a post shared to Instagram, Cambage announced that she has "decided to step away from the league for the time being," citing a few ways in which she would like the WNBA to improve with respect to player empowerment and support.

Cambage, who also used her statement to apologize for leaving the Sparks in an abrupt manner, shared that she was "hopeful that the WNBA will do (its) part in creating safer environments and a stronger support system for (its) players."

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What's next for Liz Cambage?

WNBA future

The Instagram post comes just weeks after Cambage and the Sparks reached a contract divorce that effectively made her a free agent, but Cambage's statement indicates that it may be some time before she returns to a WNBA court.

There is plenty to be taken from what Cambage penned on Instagram, including her hopes for the WNBA to provide better support for players.

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Cambage has long been critical of the league's compensation of players, even going as far as to take issue with Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon reportedly receiving a contract worth $1 million, while a supermax contract for a player is less than $230,000.

While Cambage later clarified that she was happy for Hammon, she emphasized to ESPN's Mechelle Voepel that there is plenty of work that needed to be done on player salaries.

I love it for Becky. I love it for all women. I hope everyone makes a million dollars a year one day. But until then, we've got to work out better ways to give us, the players, more.

In addition to compensation, Cambage has been vocal about the league's travel accommodations, alluding to the fact that she has even paid to upgrade her own travel in the past.

Australian National Team

While Australia will host the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup beginning in late September, Cambage will not be a member of the roster, and may not suit up for the Opals again.

Cambage has already stated that she has "zero" interest in representing Australia at the World Cup, a statement that came amid reports of her using racial slurs towards the Nigerian Women's National Team prior to the Tokyo Olympics, reports that she has denied via Instagram.

Following the reported incident, Cambage withdrew from participating in the Olympic Games, citing mental health concerns regarding the participation in a bubble environment.

MORE: Hall of Famer Lauren Jackson lands on Opals' World Cup roster

In saying that she will "be taking this time to focus on my healing and personal growth before providing clarification on past rumors," Cambage's split from the Opals could be among past rumors she plans to provide clarification on.

Since being drafted second overall in the 2011 WNBA Draft, Cambage has played in six WNBA seasons, four seasons in China's WCBA and two seasons in Australia's WNBL, capturing a title in 2020.

Whether or not a WNBL return for Cambage is in the cards remains to be seen.

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.