Former WNBA star Liz Cambage signs $1 million contract to play in China

Liz Cambage, one of world basketball's most controversial figures, has reportedly signed a three-month contract worth $1 million to join Chinese team Sichuan.

For reference, a WNBA Supermax contract is capped at $234,936 per season. Cambage is set to earn four times the amount in a portion of the time. 

The contract will begin next year and is understood to include significant bonus clauses, per a report from Page 13. 

The Australian basketball star previously joined Israel-based club Maccabi Bnot Ashdod in March, following a shock exit from the American top-tier. 

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

Liz Cambage joins Chinese team Sichaun

The towering center parted ways with the Los Angeles Sparks in July last year and is unlikely to suit up for Australia's Opals after allegations of racism toward the Nigerian national team.

But while Cambage's outspoken nature has landed her in trouble on multiple occasions, it's clear the talented star is still valued on the global scene. 

The 32-year-old said that she was excited to once again play in China. 

“I have always loved my time in China and I am really looking forward to getting out onto the court again,” she told Page 13. 

“It’s one of the strongest leagues in the world and I have played many seasons there over the years."

Sichaun will be Cambage's fifth WCBA team, having first played in the premier Chinese women's division with Zhejiang Chouzhou in 2012.

Will Liz Cambage return to the WNBA?

Cambage averaged 13 points and 11.5 rebounds for Los Angeles in 2022, although the team struggled for consistency, finishing with a 13-23 record.

The Australian center left the franchise after 25 games, saying she was "hopeful the WNBA would do its part in creating safer environments and a stronger support system for their players" in a since-deleted Instagram post.

It's unlikely the 2011 No.2 draft pick will return to the league, having been critical of its player salaries in times past.

ahhh yes the @WNBA, where a head coach can get paid 4X the highest paid players super max contract. lmao and y’all think imma spend another season upgrading my seat on a flight to get to games out of my own pocket.

— Elizabeth Cambage (@ecambage) February 1, 2022

Liz Cambage WNBA career stats

Below are the regular season averages Cambage brought in during her six-year WNBA career, between the Tulsa Shock (now Dallas Wings), the Wings, the Aces and the Sparks.

She racked up a total of 2,634 points and 1,258 rebounds over that period.