Shortly after a practice session, Golden State Valkyries coach Natalina Kaze and French guard Carla Late sat together, with Kaze using hand signals to communicate with the 21-year-old rookie player. Understanding Late’s strength as a visual learner, Kaze sought ways to overcome language barriers. Late admits that communicating verbally can be challenging at times.
The Valkyries’ roster is notably international, featuring players from six countries on opening night. Although Late is still improving her English, French serves as a common second language among the team, with several players like Janelle Surrón, Lait, and Belgian guard Julie Vanroux frequently using it. Vanroux is even available for translation, and some assistants have learned basic French to better connect with the players. Even Chiara Rin Skens, a rookie center from Belgium, speaks a bit of French.
Golden State is the newest team in the WNBA, which overall is seeing a rise in foreign-born players, with 34 international athletes this season compared to 25 previously. Many are newcomers eager to join the league, highlighting its expanding global appeal. Interviews with players, coaches, and executives link this growth to the league’s international reach, engaged fans, increased investments, and better salaries.
Italian Valkyries wing Cecilia Zandarasini notes the influx of international players is making the WNBA the most competitive league worldwide. Although the WNBA saw a peak in international players in the early 2000s, numbers dropped due to factors like national team commitments and financial incentives. However, the league is experiencing renewed international interest, broadcasting games in many languages, and seeing attendance rise significantly.
Players like UK-born center Temi Fagbenle were inspired to pursue the WNBA after discovering it as teenagers. Turkish guard Sevigiutun Uzun, who began playing professionally at 16, was encouraged by WNBA players practicing in her country. Several international stars have praised the league’s visibility and its role as a career goal.
The WNBA faces scheduling challenges with international tournaments such as the FIBA EuroBasket, leading some players to choose between their national teams and WNBA commitments. This summer, several Valkyries members will compete internationally, while others like Rinskens and Late stay to focus on their rookie seasons.
British captain Fagbenle hopes for future collaboration between FIBA and the WNBA to enable players to compete in both arenas without conflict. With upcoming World Cups potentially causing schedule clashes, players may face tough choices between playoff participation and international duty.
As more foreign players prioritize the WNBA, fewer top American stars are playing overseas in winter leagues, partially due to well-paid alternatives like the new 3×3 professional league in the U.S. Connecticut Sun coach Rachid Meziane acknowledges the impact of American stars staying stateside on European leagues but appreciates the choice it offers players.
Globally, women basketball players now have more professional opportunities than ever, with the WNBA becoming a stronger draw in the summer. Zandarasini, who returned after a five-year break, observes how rapidly the league is growing and attracting fans everywhere.
Fan Take: This news highlights the WNBA’s rising global influence and appeal, which brings diverse talent and boosts the league’s competitiveness and fan engagement. For WNBA fans, it means witnessing a more dynamic and internationally rich sport that continues to grow in prominence and excitement.
