Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
For much of the WNBA’s history, playing overseas during the offseason was an essential part of a professional player’s career. Before WNBA salaries increased significantly, many stars spent the winter competing in Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, often earning substantially more than their WNBA contracts while facing elite international competition.
These overseas experiences helped players refine their skills, win domestic league titles, capture EuroLeague Women championships, and represent some of the world’s biggest basketball clubs. Many WNBA legends built résumés that were just as impressive internationally as they were in North America.
Below are some of the WNBA players who enjoyed the most significant overseas careers.
| Player | Primary WNBA Position | Major Overseas Countries | Overseas Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diana Taurasi | Guard | Russia, Turkey | Multiple EuroLeague titles and European championships |
| Sue Bird | Point Guard | Russia | EuroLeague champion and international club success |
| Lauren Jackson | Forward/Center | Russia, Australia | EuroLeague titles and Australian league legend |
| Candace Parker | Forward | Russia, Turkey | EuroLeague success and domestic championships |
| Breanna Stewart | Forward | Russia, Turkey | EuroLeague MVP and championship-winning star |
| Maya Moore | Forward | Spain, China | Domestic league champion and EuroLeague success |
| Sylvia Fowles | Center | Turkey, China | Dominant international post player |
| Tina Charles | Center | Turkey, China | Elite scorer across multiple leagues |
| Brittney Griner | Center | China, Russia | Dominant international center |
| Elena Delle Donne | Forward | Turkey | Productive overseas seasons |
| Cappie Pondexter | Guard | Russia, Turkey | Multiple championships in Europe |
| Penny Taylor | Forward | Australia, Russia, Turkey | International club champion |
| DeWanna Bonner | Forward | Czech Republic, Russia, Turkey | Consistent EuroLeague performer |
| Angel McCoughtry | Wing | Turkey, Russia | Elite scorer in Europe |
| Seimone Augustus | Guard | Russia | EuroLeague champion |
| Lindsay Whalen | Guard | Czech Republic, Turkey | Veteran international playmaker |
| Courtney Vandersloot | Point Guard | Turkey | Elite European playmaker |
| Allie Quigley | Guard | Hungary, Turkey | EuroLeague scoring standout |
| Emma Meesseman | Forward | Belgium, Russia, Turkey | EuroLeague MVP and champion |
| Jonquel Jones | Forward/Center | China, Turkey | International MVP-caliber performer |
| Alyssa Thomas | Forward | South Korea, Czech Republic | Versatile overseas star |
| Nneka Ogwumike | Forward | China, Russia | Productive international career |
| Chiney Ogwumike | Forward | China | Strong offensive production |
| Liz Cambage | Center | China, Australia | Multiple scoring titles overseas |
| Kelsey Plum | Guard | Turkey | European scoring success |
| Chelsea Gray | Guard | Turkey | High-level EuroLeague guard |
| Jewell Loyd | Guard | Turkey | International scoring guard |
| Natasha Howard | Forward | China, Turkey | Versatile frontcourt contributor |
| Kayla McBride | Guard | Turkey | Long-range scoring threat |
| Riquna Williams | Guard | Turkey | Explosive scorer |
| Alysha Clark | Forward | Israel, France | Championship-winning role player |
| Kristi Toliver | Guard | Slovakia, Turkey | Elite perimeter shooter |
| Skylar Diggins-Smith | Guard | Russia | Productive overseas seasons |
| Epiphanny Prince | Guard | Russia, Turkey | Dynamic international scorer |
| Becky Hammon | Guard | Russia | EuroLeague success before coaching |
| Ticha Penicheiro | Point Guard | Italy, Russia | Elite international passer |
| Katie Smith | Guard | Italy | Veteran European performer |
| Alana Beard | Guard | Spain | Defensive standout overseas |
| Taj McWilliams-Franklin | Center | Italy, Spain | Long and successful European career |
| Margo Dydek | Center | Spain, Poland | Dominant international shot blocker |
| Ann Wauters | Center | France, Russia, Turkey | One of Europe’s greatest centers |
| Sandrine Gruda | Center | France, Russia, Turkey | International club champion |
Why WNBA Stars Played Overseas
For many years, international basketball was an essential part of a professional career.
- Overseas salaries often exceeded WNBA contracts.
- Elite European leagues featured world-class competition.
- Players stayed in game shape during the WNBA offseason.
- International experience helped players develop new skills.
- Clubs regularly competed for domestic league titles and EuroLeague Women championships.
- Many players established global reputations beyond the WNBA.
Before recent salary growth and expanded marketing opportunities, playing overseas was the financial reality for many of the league’s biggest stars.
The Most Successful Overseas Careers
Several players built legendary international résumés alongside their WNBA accomplishments.
Diana Taurasi became one of the most decorated players in European basketball history, winning numerous Russian league championships, EuroLeague Women titles, and individual awards while starring for powerhouse clubs.
Lauren Jackson enjoyed tremendous success both in Australia and Europe, establishing herself as one of the greatest international women’s basketball players of all time.
Emma Meesseman developed into one of EuroLeague Women’s premier stars, earning MVP honors and multiple championships while remaining one of the WNBA’s most efficient forwards.
Breanna Stewart continued her dominance overseas with EuroLeague championships and MVP-level performances, demonstrating that her game translated seamlessly across international competitions.
Ann Wauters spent the majority of her professional career starring for Europe’s elite clubs, becoming one of the continent’s most accomplished centers through championships, MVP awards, and consistent excellence.
The Changing Landscape
The role of overseas basketball has changed dramatically in recent years. Rising WNBA salaries, expanded endorsement opportunities, improved league benefits, and the emergence of offseason leagues such as Unrivaled have given players more options than ever before. While many stars still choose to compete internationally, others now prioritize rest, recovery, individual training, or domestic offseason opportunities.
Even so, overseas basketball remains an important part of WNBA history. For decades, it allowed players to earn a living, compete against the world’s best talent, and expand the global reach of women’s basketball. The achievements of these international stars helped strengthen the connection between the WNBA and professional leagues around the world, leaving a lasting impact on the sport’s global development.