Samara have extended the contracts of star players Ann Wauters and Maria Stepanova ahead of the start of the Final Four of the FIBA EuroLeague Women this week.

Wauters has signed a two-year agreement with the club, much to the disappointment of their European rivals as Ros Casares, Valenciennes and Parma were all keen to sign the Belgian international.

Meanwhile, a Russian bronze medalist from the 2004 Olympics, Stepanova has signed a one-year contract extension.

Both players have been crucial in helping Igor Grudin's outfit qualify for the EuroLeague Final Four, being hosted in Samara between April 22 and 24.

Samara have also extended the contracts of Russian international Ilona Korstine for a further two years and of French international Edwidge Lawson, who has signed a one year contract.