Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

For decades, playing overseas has been an important part of a WNBA player’s career. Because the WNBA season runs during the North American summer, many players have spent the offseason competing in Europe, Asia or Australia. These international leagues often provide more playing time, different coaching philosophies and opportunities to face elite competition from around the world.

For some athletes, overseas basketball became the key to unlocking their full potential. Whether by expanding their offensive game, improving their confidence or developing into more complete players, these WNBA stars returned from international competition better prepared to excel at the highest level.

Why Overseas Basketball Matters

Unlike many professional sports, WNBA players have traditionally had the opportunity to compete almost year-round.

Playing overseas offers several benefits:

  • Additional game experience.
  • Opportunities to play larger offensive roles.
  • Exposure to different coaching styles.
  • Competition against elite international talent.
  • Skill development in different basketball systems.
  • Increased leadership responsibilities.

Many players credit these experiences with helping shape their professional careers.

Diana Taurasi

Overseas Clubs: Russia, Turkey

Few WNBA players have enjoyed greater overseas success than Diana Taurasi. Playing for powerhouse clubs in Russia and later Turkey allowed her to compete in EuroLeague Women against many of the world’s best players.

How She Improved

  • Expanded her offensive versatility.
  • Refined her leadership skills.
  • Continued developing as an elite scorer.
  • Gained experience in pressure-filled championship environments.

Her international experience complemented an already legendary WNBA career.

Sue Bird

Overseas Clubs: Russia

Sue Bird spent many offseason years playing in Russia, where she competed alongside and against some of the world’s greatest players.

Benefits

  • Enhanced decision-making.
  • Continued development as a floor general.
  • Greater experience managing championship expectations.
  • Improved adaptability within different offensive systems.

Her international career contributed to her remarkable longevity.

Lauren Jackson

Overseas Clubs: Australia, Russia

Lauren Jackson established herself as one of the world’s premier post players through success both in the WNBA and overseas.

How Overseas Play Helped

  • Developed advanced post moves.
  • Improved outside shooting.
  • Faced diverse defensive schemes.
  • Continued refining every aspect of her game.

Her international experience helped make her one of the most complete forwards in basketball history.

Candace Parker

Overseas Clubs: Russia

Candace Parker’s overseas experience came early in her professional career and exposed her to highly competitive European basketball.

Benefits

  • Improved versatility.
  • Expanded passing ability.
  • Refined interior and perimeter skills.
  • Continued leadership development.

She returned as one of the league’s premier all-around players.

Breanna Stewart

Overseas Clubs: Russia, Turkey

Breanna Stewart has consistently used offseason competition to sharpen her game.

Improvements

  • Greater offensive efficiency.
  • Continued defensive development.
  • Increased experience against international stars.
  • Leadership growth in championship settings.

Her willingness to compete year-round has contributed to sustained excellence.

Emma Meesseman

Overseas Clubs: Belgium, Russia, Turkey

Although already an accomplished European player before joining the WNBA, Emma Meesseman continued improving through regular international competition.

Development

  • Elite basketball IQ.
  • Improved playmaking.
  • Outstanding passing for a post player.
  • Expanded offensive versatility.

Her unique skill set made her one of the most complete frontcourt players in the league.

Jonquel Jones

Overseas Clubs: South Korea, China, Turkey

Jonquel Jones credits much of her development to extensive overseas experience.

How She Improved

  • Increased offensive confidence.
  • Improved perimeter shooting.
  • Greater ball-handling ability.
  • Expanded defensive versatility.

Those improvements helped transform her into a WNBA MVP.

Alyssa Thomas

Overseas Clubs: South Korea, Czech Republic

Alyssa Thomas developed into one of the league’s premier all-around players through continuous competition overseas.

Areas of Growth

  • Improved playmaking.
  • Better court vision.
  • Enhanced leadership.
  • Greater versatility on both ends of the floor.

Her evolution into a triple-double threat reflects years of steady development.

Brittney Griner

Overseas Clubs: China, Russia

Playing internationally gave Brittney Griner additional opportunities to dominate against elite post players while expanding her offensive game.

Benefits

  • Improved footwork.
  • Increased confidence as a scorer.
  • Greater passing ability.
  • Experience leading championship-caliber teams.

Her overseas success mirrored her dominance in the WNBA.

Natasha Howard

Overseas Clubs: Turkey, Russia

Natasha Howard gradually developed from a valuable role player into one of the league’s best defensive forwards.

Improvements

  • Expanded offensive responsibilities.
  • Improved scoring consistency.
  • Enhanced versatility.
  • Increased confidence as a leader.

Her international experience complemented her rise to multiple All-Star appearances.

Courtney Vandersloot

Overseas Clubs: Turkey, Russia, Hungary

Courtney Vandersloot’s overseas career provided opportunities to direct offenses in different systems while facing elite European competition.

Development

  • Elite court vision.
  • Improved scoring efficiency.
  • Greater leadership experience.
  • Continued refinement as one of basketball’s best passers.

Her international play helped reinforce her reputation as one of the greatest point guards in WNBA history.

The Value of European Basketball

European leagues are often regarded as the strongest professional women’s basketball competitions outside the WNBA.

Many players benefit from:

  • Longer seasons.
  • Tactical coaching.
  • Team-oriented offensive systems.
  • High-level international tournaments.
  • EuroLeague Women competition.

These experiences frequently translate into greater confidence and improved decision-making upon returning to the WNBA.

Growth Beyond Basketball

Playing overseas also helps athletes develop personally.

Many players gain:

  • Cultural awareness.
  • Language skills.
  • Leadership experience.
  • Independence.
  • Adaptability.
  • Global friendships and professional networks.

These experiences often contribute to growth both on and off the court.

Changing Trends

In recent years, improvements in WNBA salaries, expanded marketing opportunities and prioritization rules have led some players to reduce or skip overseas commitments.

Even so, international basketball remains an important development pathway for many athletes, particularly younger players seeking additional experience and veterans looking to maintain their competitive edge.

Final Thoughts

Overseas basketball has played a significant role in the development of many WNBA stars. Competing against elite international talent, adapting to different coaching styles and taking on larger responsibilities have helped countless players elevate their games.

Legends such as Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson and Candace Parker all benefited from international competition, while more recent stars including Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones and Alyssa Thomas have continued that tradition. Although the WNBA continues to evolve, overseas basketball remains one of the most valuable opportunities for player development and has helped shape many of the league’s greatest careers.