But resilient Australian women’s basketball star Rebecca “Bec” Allen told basketball.com.au in an exclusive interview the chemistry and closeness of the playing group belied their record — and luck — during a rollercoaster season.

“What I loved about this Chicago group is that we stayed together all season,” Allen said.

“We lost by 30 multiple times — it was demoralising — and you can feel personally defeated. But we still wanted to have dinner together after games.

“That’s rare. I’ve had winning teams with fractures; sometimes that’s harder.

“Our cohesion says a lot about our coaching, our GM, and the personalities in the room.

“From the outside, it may have looked like we were breaking apart, but inside we were tight.

“​​Chicago was a roller coaster in wins, losses, and box scores, but from a people perspective it might have been the nicest team I’ve ever been on.

“I felt unusually comfortable in that locker room for the States. The coach (Tyler Marsh) and staff are great.”

The Sky lost veteran point guard “Floor General” Courtney Vandersloot, 36, after just six games when the Sky was 2-3, superstar Angel Reese, 23, played only 30 games of their 44, while Ariel Atkins, 28, missed 10 games. Allen, 32, was just one of three players to suit up in all 44 games.

“When our main point guard went down, I suddenly became the oldest player, which was a shock — hearing 23 and 24-year-olds call you “old” when you’re 32 is funny,” Allen chuckled.

“There were practical surprises too (after I was traded): we practiced at a rec centre and lived almost an hour and a half from the city. I might have asked more questions upfront, but trades are out of your control.”

Allen was traded twice before the start of the 2025 WNBA season

On February 2, 2025 Allen was a key player in a remarkable 10-team trade that ended her time at the Phoenix Mercury after just one season and 18 games. She was traded along with Natasha Cloud to the Connecticut Sun for three-time All-WNBA star Alyssa Thomas as part of multiple players and draft picks heading in different directions. But just two days later, the Sun traded Allen to the Sky for Lindsay Allen and Nikolina Milic.

“Being traded is always rough,” Allen revealed.

“My first trade — from seven years in New York to Connecticut — was the hardest.

“I’ve learned it’s nothing personal, it’s a business. This time, I was initially traded back to Connecticut, and I knew I couldn’t do that again. I had a great season there once, but one year was enough.

“I was lucky Chicago wanted me the same day. I was excited for Chicago — it’s an awesome city — and for something different. That trade period was a lot, with so many moving pieces and players leaving Connecticut at once.”

 

Allen said she was still in playing shape and agreed to sign with European powerhouse Fenerbahçe for five weeks until the other WNBA players the Turkish club had secured for the EuroLeague season arrived.

“The Fenerbahçe situation is unlike anything I’ve signed before, but I’m excited about it,” Allen said.

“I’ll be there for five weeks, filling in until the other WNBA players —who will be there for the full season — finish playoffs and join.

“Playing for a team like Fenerbahçe is iconic.

“It’s a very well-known club and always one of the top places to play. I’ve never played in Turkey, so that part is pretty cool too.

“I played the 2014 World Cup in Istanbul with the Australian team and saw a bit of the city then, but it will be great to be there longer and explore more. “

“Also, Turkish food is unreal, so I’m very excited for that.

“My first EuroLeague game will be against Valencia, where I played for two and a half seasons.

“I’m hoping to be welcomed back by the fans there because those two years were very close to my heart; I loved the city and the club.”

Allen revealed she didn’t intend to stay once her contract expired, instead would return to Australia where she has already booked NBL26 commentary gigs for a second season.

“Extending in Europe after the five weeks isn’t my goal right now,” she revealed.

“I’m open-minded, but this was a good moment to stay fit after finishing the WNBA season. I had two weeks at home to reset without detraining too much.

“I kept working out at Court Side and lifted in the gym to stay strong. I’m in a phase where I need to protect and look after my body, especially since my back surgery. I want to see how I feel after a month there and monitor things closely.”

“After Fenerbahçe, I’ll come home and work NBL games again. I love being part of that.

“Broadcasting gives me the adrenaline rush without being on the court, and with reps you get better — less freezing on air and more clarity.

“After Christmas, I’ll get a clearer idea of what I’m doing, especially with the new WNBA CBA.

“It really comes down to how I feel, what I truly want, and what brings me some peace.”

Overcoming the physical and mental challenges of 2024

The peace Allen was referring to was finding the right situation after a tough 2024 where injuries impacted her on-court performances both for the Phoenix Mercury and Australian Opals.

She needed back surgery at the Mercury to address a “lingering issue” and was devastatingly ruled out just days before the Australian Opals’ 2024 Olympic Games campaign in Paris after injuring her hamstring during a warm-up game.

“That injury last season in Phoenix was debilitating at times — I couldn’t get out of bed — so I need to manage it well for everyday life, not just basketball,” Allen revealed.

“Coming back at 32 is very different from 24. You’re not just rehabbing a back; you’re rehabbing your whole body after stopping to recover.

“Day to day, I’m in a good phase. I still manage minutes, practices, and load because “load management” is very real for me.

“Backs aren’t like typical injuries — little things can set them off — so I’m careful. Keeping my back right is ongoing and likely lifelong, even after I stop playing.

“The (Victoria Institute of Sport) staff were fantastic — gentle at first to help me enjoy being in the gym again, then progressively building me up. Being around good people made me excited to show up every day, and that made a huge difference.

“People don’t see the months of work before Day One of training camp.

“I rarely stop; it’s not in my personality, and I couldn’t come back if I did.

“For years I alternated between Europe and America, which kept me fit but meant playing through injuries constantly.

“Stopping to get healthy creates a new challenge: getting back to basketball-fit.”

Getting back into the WNBA

Allen deflected the significance of scoring her 1,500th WNBA point in 2025, a significant milestone in her career, instead reflected on her 260 games at the highest level of women’s basketball in the world.

“I’m grateful for 10 years in the league — that’s what I’m proudest of,” Allen revealed.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries, but I’ve always gotten back to the biggest stage. This season felt like a gift after I considered being done last year.

“Saying ‘yes’ again took a lot mentally and physically, especially when you’re not at the same physical level you once were.

“I approached it with gratitude: I’m back, and I’m thankful. My first game back was emotional — Steph White, who coached me in Connecticut, hugged me and said she was proud.

“She knew how hard it was to come back.”

What’s next for Rebecca Allen

She wouldn’t be drawn into any speculation about suiting up for her 11th year in the WNBA.

“I’ll be back in (Australia in) early November,” she revealed.

“As for next WNBA season, I’m thinking short term right now: focus on Fenerbahçe, see how I feel, and decide later — likely around November or January.

“For now, I’m going to enjoy Turkey (and the food!), keep taking care of my body, and stay open to what feels right.”

Rebecca Allen Key Details

• Name: Rebecca “Bec” Allen
• Team: Chicago Sky
• League: WNBA
• Season (Year): 10th WNBA Season (2025)
• Position / Jersey #: Guard / #9
• Height / Weight: 6’2” / 162 lbs
• Age / DOB: 32 (Nov 6, 1992)
• Nationality: Australian (Wanga