Why global talent is more important than ever to the WNBA

As the WNBA continues to expand and evolve, more international players are setting their sights on the league. Sabreena and Annie dive into the impact of global talent on the WNBA and explore how franchises are adapting their scouting strategies to find the next generation of international stars. The duo also takes a look at the international players already making noise across the WNBA and the impact they’re having on the league today. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/newsletters/no-offseason/ Rundown (times are approximate): 00:00 Intro 00:32 Caitlin Clark late scratch from Fever lineup vs. Fire 01:10 Details surrounding Caitlin’s back injury remain unclear 07:26 What to make of Caitlin’s back injury? 13:25 The different draft paths for international and college players 20:28 WNBA’s growing appeal to international players 25:10 Explaining the letter of clearance rule  28:19 Explaining the prioritization 36:25 NIL and its influence on international players  38:49 The complexities of player rights 40:55 Spotlighting emerging international players 41:25 Jovana Nogic making her mark in the WNBA 43:12 Laura Juškaitė providing an offensive spark 44:11 Justė Jocytė has been one to watch 44:41 Frieda Buhner may be a good piece for Portland going forward 46:01 Nyadiew Puoch is a proven defender 51:22 Set Your Screens Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7295840/2026/05/20/caitlin-clark-injury-indiana-fever-portland-fire-wnba/ by James Boyd Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [https://www.instagram.com/tanooffseason] -TikTok: @no_offseason [https://www.tiktok.com/@no_offseason] Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Layshia on IG: @layshiac -Annie on X: @anniecostabile -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1 Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0 Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS Thumbnail: Steph Chambers / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images