Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Similar to other U.S. professional sports, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is also a global sport. Since 1997, foreign-born WNBA players have comprised 22 percent of all players. Over time, foreign-born WNBA players have come from nearly every continent representing more than 50 countries, as well as U.S. Territories and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
During the 2023 WNBA season, 18 percent of WNBA players were foreign-born; a six percent increase from last year. Foreign-born WNBA players were born in 14 different countries. More than two-fifths (48%) of foreign-born WNBA players were born in either Australia, Canada, or France. More than one-third of players on the New York Liberty, Seattle Storm, and Minnesota Lynx were foreign-born. Each of these three teams had four foreign-born players.
During the 2023 WNBA finals, 22 percent of WNBA players were foreign-born; this is nearly triple from last year (8%).
Of the 36 players selected in the 2023 WNBA draft, one-third (33%) were born abroad. This percentage is more than double from last year (14%). Additionally, foreign-born WNBA players who were drafted were born in 11 different countries.
For a fact sheet on WNBA players during the 2023 season, click on the below link:
For a fact sheet on prior WNBA seasons, click on the below link:
