Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Australia has produced some of the greatest international players in WNBA history. Since the league’s inaugural season in 1997, Australian stars have played pivotal roles in championship teams, won MVP awards, earned All-WNBA honors, and established themselves among the best players in women’s basketball.
Many of these athletes also enjoyed outstanding careers with the Australian Opals, helping Australia become one of the world’s premier women’s basketball nations through Olympic medals, FIBA World Cup success, and dominance in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).
Below are the Australian players who made the biggest impact in WNBA history.
Greatest Australian Players in WNBA History
| Player | Position | WNBA Teams | WNBA Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lauren Jackson | Forward/Center | Seattle Storm | 3× MVP, 2× Champion, Hall of Famer |
| Penny Taylor | Forward | Phoenix Mercury | 3× Champion, Finals MVP, All-WNBA |
| Liz Cambage | Center | Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, Los Angeles Sparks | Multiple All-WNBA selections and elite scorer |
| Sandy Brondello | Guard | Detroit Shock, Miami Sol, Portland Fire | One of Australia’s first WNBA pioneers |
| Kristi Harrower | Guard | Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx | Elite international point guard |
| Lauren Scherf | Forward | Phoenix Mercury | WNBA veteran and Opals representative |
| Tully Bevilaqua | Guard | Indiana Fever, San Antonio Silver Stars, Seattle Storm | WNBA champion and defensive specialist |
| Belinda Snell | Guard | Phoenix Mercury | WNBA champion and international shooter |
| Suzy Batkovic | Center | Seattle Storm | Dominant WNBL player and WNBA veteran |
| Abby Bishop | Center | Seattle Storm | Australian national team center |
| Erin Phillips | Guard | Connecticut Sun, Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, Los Angeles Sparks | WNBA champion and elite defender |
| Leilani Mitchell | Guard | Phoenix Mercury, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics | WNBA champion and All-Star |
| Rebecca Allen | Wing | New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky | Elite three-and-D wing |
| Alanna Smith | Forward | Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx | Defensive standout and versatile frontcourt player |
| Ezi Magbegor | Center | Seattle Storm | Elite rim protector and All-Defensive selection |
| Sami Whitcomb | Guard | Seattle Storm, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury | Two-time WNBA champion and three-point specialist |
| Stephanie Talbot | Forward | Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks | Versatile role player |
| Cayla George | Center | Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces | International veteran and rebounder |
| Jade Melbourne | Guard | Washington Mystics | Rising young Australian point guard |
| Stephanie Blicavs | Forward | Phoenix Mercury | WNBA experience and Opals contributor |
Australia’s Greatest WNBA Careers
Several Australians have left an unforgettable mark on the league.
Lauren Jackson
Few international players have dominated the WNBA like Lauren Jackson. The Seattle Storm legend won three league MVP awards, two WNBA championships, a Finals MVP, and multiple scoring titles while redefining the modern power forward position. Her combination of size, shooting, athleticism, and shot blocking made her one of the greatest players in league history.
Penny Taylor
Penny Taylor became an integral part of the Phoenix Mercury dynasty alongside Diana Taurasi. A versatile scorer, elite defender, and outstanding passer, Taylor helped Phoenix capture three championships while earning Finals MVP honors in 2004.
Liz Cambage
At her peak, Liz Cambage was one of the most dominant offensive centers the league had ever seen. She became the first player in WNBA history to score 53 points in a game and earned multiple All-WNBA selections through her combination of size, footwork, and scoring ability.
Erin Phillips
Before becoming an AFLW legend, Erin Phillips enjoyed a successful WNBA career highlighted by a championship with the Indiana Fever in 2012. Her defensive versatility, leadership, and basketball IQ made her a valuable contributor throughout her career.
Ezi Magbegor
Ezi Magbegor has emerged as one of the WNBA’s premier defensive players. With elite shot-blocking instincts, mobility, and improving offensive skills, she has become a cornerstone of the Seattle Storm and one of Australia’s brightest current stars.
Australian WNBA Champions
Many Australian players have earned WNBA championship rings during their careers.
| Player | Championships |
|---|---|
| Lauren Jackson | 2 |
| Penny Taylor | 3 |
| Erin Phillips | 1 |
| Sami Whitcomb | 2 |
| Belinda Snell | 1 |
| Leilani Mitchell | 1 |
| Tully Bevilaqua | 1 |
Australia’s Impact on the WNBA
Australia has consistently produced elite WNBA talent for nearly three decades.
- Multiple league MVPs.
- Numerous WNBA champions.
- Hall of Fame players.
- All-WNBA selections across several generations.
- Defensive Player of the Year candidates.
- Elite international performers for the Australian Opals.
- Significant contributions to some of the league’s greatest dynasties.
Australian players have earned a reputation for toughness, versatility, basketball IQ, and professionalism, making them highly respected throughout the WNBA.
The Next Generation
Australia’s influence on the WNBA continues to grow. Players such as Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith, Rebecca Allen, Jade Melbourne, and Stephanie Talbot have become key contributors across the league, while the next wave of Opals prospects continues to emerge from the WNBL and collegiate basketball.
From Lauren Jackson’s MVP dominance to Penny Taylor’s championship success and Ezi Magbegor’s defensive excellence, Australian players have helped shape the history of the WNBA. Their achievements have strengthened the connection between Australian basketball and the world’s premier women’s professional league, ensuring that Australia’s legacy will continue for generations to come.