If the Golden State Valkyries’ inaugural season has taught us one thing, it’s that we need to be looking at international talent. This was a team expected to float around the bottom of the table as history has it. But with 10 overseas players, Natalie Nakase now sits on high odds to make the postseason. It isn’t the Golden State alone, though.

Over in Seattle, Dominique Malonga is quietly making her case on why the Storm were right in betting on her. The 19-year-old rookie is just one among the 34 international players who have made their presence felt this year. And if we are to go by the French guard Carla Leite’s words, that presence is only going to increase in the coming years. So, for the scouts getting their note pads out as the sun sets on the 2025 season, Women’s Hoops Masterclass is ready with the rankings.

1. Awa Fam

As a Spanish basketball player for Valencia Basket of the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, Awa Fam Thiam is one of the most sought-after players in the world today. She made her debut with the Basket at just 15 years of age, becoming the youngest player for the team. And she hasn’t looked back since.

The 19-year-old has ample international experience, ranging from the European Championship and EuroBasket to World Cups. Moreover, the young center has consistently delivered double-doubles, which is a rare sight given her tender age. Renowned for her shooting from the deep and a steep growth trajectory, Awa is projected as the sixth overall pick in the upcoming class of 2026 WNBA drafts.

2. Nell Angloma

As a shooting guard for the Lattes-Montpellier (BLMA), Nell Angloma is one of the most promising young talents today. She has clinched two European Championships (2022 and 2024), a 2023 U18 European Silver Medal, and U17 World Cup Bronze Medal from 2022. Besides, with an average of 13.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in under 20 minutes per game in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, Nell emerged as the MVP and was honored with an All-Star Five rank. And this is one of the reasons that the athlete is currently projected as the 12th overall draft pick for next year, provided she decides to join the WNBA.

3. Saffron Sheils

“She has an elite mindset. That’s what makes her special.” This is how Australian head coach Kristen Veal praised guard/forward Saffron Sheils’ dedication to the sport. Standing at six-feet-two, her athleticism and size make Sheils a natural ball handler, shooter, and defender- all rolled into one.

Having said that, she marked her debut with the Townsville Fire (WNBL) in July 2023, at just 17 years of age. But that did not deter the athlete, who went on to clinch a green and gold for the Australian Opals in the same year, and became the youngest player to be awarded the title. With that, Sheils is projected as the 17th overall pick for next year.

4. Alicia Tournebize

Alicia Tournebize is one of France’s most dynamic and promising young talents. As a 15-year-old who was crowned the MVP title, Alicia single-handedly led her team to the 2023 U18 French Cup victory with a total of 16 points and 14 rebounds. Moreover, she helped her team clinch bronze during the 2025 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket.

The 6-feet-4 athlete is also known for her iconic dunks, which is a rare feat for WNBA athletes. Besides, as a projected late first-round pick for the 2027 draft, the league can largely benefit from the forward’s elite footwork, efficient scoring, and her strong and dominant stance in the paint.

5. Ainhoa Risacher

Associated with one of the top French leagues, the LDLC ASVEL Féminin, Ainhoa Risacher carries an elite basketball experience across EuroCup and European Championships. She even featured in the 2025 Nike Hoop Summit, where she was selected for the World Select Team. The annual summit features top global prospects vs. U.S. high school stars. No wonder she came into the league’s limelight. As a notable talent, Ainhoa has delivered 18 points in 19 minutes with 100% shooting in a French league match. With elite skills and efficient shooting, the guard is predicted as a second round pick of 2027 draft class.

6. Daniele Paunksnyte

Born on July 21, 2007, Daniele is a five-feet-ten small forward from Lithuania. With all-rounder capabilities, she is associated with the Kibirkštis Vilnius club, where she averaged 17.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game during the 2025 U20 EuroBasket. Her impressive progress from the 2022 EuroBasket to the 2025 tournament demonstrates significant growth in her scoring as well as rebounding. But it was her 2023 U16 European Championship that made heads turn.

Daniele exploded with 33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals on the international scene, immediately etching her name in the list of favorite athletes. Now she is projected as a second-round pick for the 2027 draft class.

7. Isabel Hassan

Isabel Mohamud Mohamed Hassan is a six-feet-one, Italian forward associated with the Umana Reyer Venice club. Born and raised in Rome, Isabel is one of the finest prospects from the country. Not only does she stand at the Italian Serie A1 level, but she has also won two U15 national championships in 2022 and 2023, respectively. As an elite scorer and rebounder, Isabel was a top choice for the Adidas Eurocamp and Jr. NBA training camp programs. Currently averaging 15.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in the 2025 U16 EuroBasket Italy, Isabel is likely to join the WNBA in 2029.

8. Sitaya Fagan

As an extraordinary talent in the Australian basketball scene, Sitaya Fagan currently trains and competes under the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Canberra. Besides, the athlete holds a dual affiliation with Britain as well as Australia. Known for her rebounding and defensive prowess, Fagan made her international debut in 2022 with the U15 Oceania Championships. And since then, there was no looking back. She has already raised eyebrows in the American Basketball scene, with programs including South Carolina, UCLA, Texas, LSU, Louisville, and Arizona making an offer. Having said that, Fagan is expected to join the WNBA draft class of 2028, projected as the 20th pick.

9. Stella Kessler

Born on February 13, 2006, Stella Kessler is a French guard. She is associated with the Flammes Carolo Basket Ardennes club. The five-feet-eight competed in the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s EuroBasket, where she averaged 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. Also appeared in the Champagne Basket and was the young contender for the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, thereby cementing her all-around presence in the paint. The point guard ranks 45th in the updated WNBA draft projections for 2026, per Women Hoops Masterclass.

10. Ziyu Zhang 

Ziyu Zhang is a center from China who is expected to be a part of the 2027 WNBA draft class as a second or third round pick. Zhang appeared in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association 2025 All-Star games, marking a career debut. Having said that, the seven-feet-two player first featured in the 2024 FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup. Her debut game against Indonesia witnessed her jumping immediately off the bench to add 19 points within 13 minutes of playing. Besides, she shot 9-for-9 and propelled Team China towards a commendable 109-50 win. No wonder she received international recognition and honors after the event.

The WNBA is seeing a surge in international players thanks to the competitiveness and the increased visibility. The league is being broadcasted in 24 languages this season and with the fan interest only growing, expect more overseas representation.