Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The WNBA has always been an international league. While American stars have helped build its foundation, many of the game’s greatest players have also forged remarkable careers around the world. Some arrived from Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean to become WNBA legends, while others expanded their careers by competing in Europe’s top leagues, Australia’s WNBL, and international tournaments.

These international journeys have strengthened both the WNBA and the global growth of women’s basketball.

1. Lauren Jackson (Australia)

WNBA: Seattle Storm
International Career: Australia, EuroLeague Women, WNBL

Lauren Jackson remains one of the greatest international players ever to play in the WNBA. After dominating the Australian WNBL with the Canberra Capitals, she became the face of the Seattle Storm while continuing to collect championships and MVP awards overseas.

Career highlights

  • Three-time WNBA MVP
  • Two-time WNBA champion
  • Multiple EuroLeague champion
  • Multiple WNBL MVP
  • Olympic medalist

International legacy

Jackson proved that international players could become the biggest stars in the WNBA.

2. Penny Taylor (Australia)

WNBA: Phoenix Mercury

Taylor enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in women’s basketball, succeeding in Australia, Europe, and the WNBA.

Achievements

  • Three WNBA championships
  • EuroLeague champion
  • WNBL champion
  • Olympic medalist

3. Emma Meesseman (Belgium)

WNBA: Washington Mystics, New York Liberty

Meesseman became one of Europe’s greatest players before translating her success into the WNBA.

Highlights

  • WNBA Finals MVP
  • Multiple EuroLeague championships
  • EuroLeague MVP
  • Belgian national team star

4. Liz Cambage (Australia)

WNBA: Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces

Cambage combined size, skill, and athleticism to become one of the league’s most dominant centers while also starring internationally.

Career accomplishments

  • WNBA scoring champion
  • WNBL MVP
  • Olympic medalist
  • EuroLeague experience

5. Lauren Cox (United States)

WNBA: Indiana Fever, Dallas Wings

Although American-born, Cox developed professionally through extensive international experience in Europe and Australia’s WNBL after entering the WNBA.

Known for

  • Defensive versatility
  • International development
  • Professional growth overseas

6. Ezi Magbegor (Australia)

WNBA: Seattle Storm

Magbegor has become one of Australia’s brightest stars while building a successful career across multiple professional leagues.

Strengths

  • Elite rim protection
  • WNBL champion
  • International defender

7. Alanna Smith (Australia)

WNBA: Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, Chicago Sky, Minnesota Lynx

Smith steadily developed through Australian and European competition before becoming an important WNBA frontcourt player.

Achievements

  • WNBL champion
  • Australian national team standout
  • Versatile defender

8. Ann Wauters (Belgium)

WNBA: Cleveland Rockers, New York Liberty, San Antonio Silver Stars, Seattle Storm

One of Europe’s greatest centers enjoyed an outstanding international career before winning a WNBA championship late in her career.

Highlights

  • WNBA champion
  • EuroLeague champion
  • EuroLeague MVP
  • Belgian basketball legend

9. Ticha Penicheiro (Portugal)

WNBA: Sacramento Monarchs, Los Angeles Sparks

Penicheiro revolutionized passing and creativity at the point guard position.

Career profile

  • WNBA champion
  • Multiple assists leader
  • Portuguese basketball pioneer

10. Sandy Brondello (Australia)

WNBA: Detroit Shock, Miami Sol, Portland Fire

Brondello helped establish Australian basketball in the WNBA before becoming one of the league’s most successful coaches.

Known for

  • Elite shooter
  • Australian national team legend
  • Championship coach

11. Isabelle Fijalkowski (France)

WNBA: Cleveland Rockers

One of France’s first major WNBA stars, Fijalkowski demonstrated that elite European centers could thrive in the league.

Highlights

  • WNBA All-Star
  • French basketball legend
  • International pioneer

12. Margo Dydek (Poland)

WNBA: Utah Starzz, Connecticut Sun, San Antonio Silver Stars, Los Angeles Sparks

At 7-foot-2, Dydek became one of the greatest shot blockers in basketball history.

Achievements

  • Defensive Player of the Year
  • WNBA blocks leader
  • Polish basketball icon

13. Becky Hammon (United States / Russia National Team)

WNBA: New York Liberty, San Antonio Stars

Hammon’s international journey included starring in EuroLeague Women and representing Russia internationally after gaining citizenship.

Career highlights

  • Six-time WNBA All-Star
  • EuroLeague champion
  • Hall of Fame player
  • Championship coach

14. Jonquel Jones (Bahamas)

WNBA: Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty

Jones became the first player from the Bahamas to win the WNBA MVP award.

Highlights

  • MVP
  • Champion
  • Finals MVP
  • EuroLeague champion

15. Stephanie Talbot (Australia)

WNBA: Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, Los Angeles Sparks

Talbot has built a successful career balancing WNBA seasons with Australia’s national team and overseas club basketball.

Strengths

  • Defensive versatility
  • WNBL success
  • Australian national representative

Honorable Mentions

  • Natalie Achonwa (Canada)
  • Kia Nurse (Canada)
  • Bridget Carleton (Canada)
  • Maria Stepanova (Russia)
  • Sandrine Gruda (France)
  • Yvonne Anderson (United States/Serbia)
  • Julie Allemand (Belgium)
  • Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy)
  • Astou Ndour-Fall (Spain/Senegal)
  • Kamilla Cardoso (Brazil)

International Stars by Country

Country Notable WNBA Players
Australia Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Liz Cambage, Ezi Magbegor, Alanna Smith, Sandy Brondello, Stephanie Talbot
Belgium Emma Meesseman, Ann Wauters, Julie Allemand
France Isabelle Fijalkowski, Sandrine Gruda
Portugal Ticha Penicheiro
Poland Margo Dydek
Bahamas Jonquel Jones
Canada Natalie Achonwa, Kia Nurse, Bridget Carleton
Italy Cecilia Zandalasini
Brazil Kamilla Cardoso*
Spain/Senegal Astou Ndour-Fall

*Cardoso represents Brazil internationally despite playing college basketball in the United States.

Global Basketball Pathways

Competition Importance
WNBA World’s premier professional women’s league
EuroLeague Women Highest level of European club competition
WNBL (Australia) One of the world’s strongest domestic leagues
Olympic Games Highest international honor
FIBA Women’s World Cup Premier global national team tournament

Final Thoughts

International players have helped transform the WNBA into a truly global league. Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Emma Meesseman, Liz Cambage, Jonquel Jones, and Ticha Penicheiro proved that elite talent knows no borders, while pioneers like Ann Wauters, Margo Dydek, and Isabelle Fijalkowski opened doors for future generations from Europe. Today, the WNBA continues to attract stars from around the world, enriching the league with diverse playing styles, international rivalries, and a truly global reach.