3 Aussies Join WNBA as League Expands to 15 Teams

Three years ago, Nyadiew Puoch couldn't have imagined playing professional basketball in America. Now the 21-year-old Australian is joining the WNBA's newest team after a breakout season that included one of the most spectacular shots in league history.

Puoch sank a half-court buzzer beater in January to clinch a 77-74 victory for her UC Capitals team, capping off a stellar season where she averaged 11.4 points per game. The Portland Fire selected her 16th overall in the WNBA's expansion draft, giving her a second chance after she delayed her 2024 Atlanta Dream selection to develop her skills back home.

"I go out there, have fun, play basketball and these opportunities have opened up for me," Puoch said. "It's a new expansion team in the WNBA, so I'm excited."

She won't be alone in Portland. Fellow Australian Chloe Bibby, who played with superstar Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever last season, joined the Fire as the 11th pick. Meanwhile, Olympic bronze medalist Kristy Wallace landed with the Toronto Tempo, the league's other new franchise.

The Tempo carries special significance for Australian fans. Sandy Brondello, who coached the Australian Opals to Olympic bronze, will lead Toronto and selected Wallace as one of her first players.

The Ripple Effect

The expansion reflects explosive growth in women's basketball. The WNBA now boasts 15 teams, up from 13 just months ago, with the season starting May 8.

The league's new collective bargaining agreement shows real commitment to its players. Salary caps jumped from $1.5 million to $7 million per team, while maximum individual salaries increased to $1.4 million. The deal also introduces revenue sharing, ensuring players benefit as the sport grows.

For young athletes watching from Australia and around the world, the message is clear: women's basketball is thriving, expanding, and creating more opportunities than ever before.

Three Australians are about to live their dreams on the world's biggest stage.