This year’s WNBA Draft provided a bit more opportunity than in recent years as the Golden State Valkyries, the league’s first expansion team since 2008, took part in its first draft. With the number five pick, the team selected Justé Jocyté from Lithuania, one of several foreign players selected this year.
The addition of the Valkyries means the number of WNBA roster spots grew from 144 to 156, meaning there is an increase in opportunities for players from the U.S. and around the globe. Other countries represented in the draft were France, Australia, Slovenia, Russia and Canada. The New York Liberty’s lone pick was 6-foot-3 center Adja Kane from France, who was picked for future potential.
“As an organization, we pride ourselves on embracing the global nature of the game and are proactive in assembling a deep group of international talent,” said Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb. “We had a unique opportunity to select Adja Kane, a talented young player from a strong program in France, who will continue to develop overseas for the next few years with our support from afar.”
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With the number two pick the Seattle Storm selected post player Dominique Malonga from France, who has played on the French national team with Storm forward Gabby Williams. Malonga has African heritage from Cameroon and Congo.
Number four pick Kiki Iriafen, who stepped up for USC in the NCAA tournament after JuJu Watkins was injured, honored her Nigerian roots, wearing a dress created by Nigerian designer Nneka C. Alexander. “Being Nigerian, if you ask any Nigerian, is kind of like a personality trait; we’re super proud,” said Iriafen, chosen by the Washington Mystics, which are in rebuilding mode following the retirement of Elena Delle Donne. “In everything that you do, you strive for excellence.”
With the Valkyries drafting Kaitlyn Chen, who played on UConn’s national championship team this year and is a graduate of Princeton, and Harmoni Turner of Harvard selected by the Las Vegas Aces in the third round, the Ivy League presence continues to grow.
“When my name was called, I felt nothing short of thankful/grateful,” said Turner, the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year, an honor named for the Aces’ head coach. “The hard work has paid off, but I’m nowhere near satisfied. I’m so grateful to receive an opportunity to fulfill my dreams and that’s all I needed—an opportunity. I’m more than excited to join the Aces and cannot wait to showcase my talents and bring back that championship culture. The nerd is headed to Vegas, baby!”