When it comes to basketball excellence, Phoenix Mercury star Kahleah Copper stands next to none. Not only is she a four-time WNBA All-Star, 2021 Finals MVP, and Olympic gold medalist, but she’s also an undeniable style icon and proud fiancé to Binta Drammeh.

From a bench player to one of the highest paid WNBA players in the league currently, her story is an inspiring one for anyone who wants to master their craft and prove their worth. Here’s everything to know about the 29-year-old rising star. We cover where she started to where she’s heading next.

Who Is Kahleah Copper?

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Born August 28th, 1994 in North Philadelphia, basketball was an immediate dream for 6’1 shooting guard. She played all through high school and finished her college career at Rutgers University with the third-most points all time in team history. Then, the WNBA Washington Mystics drafted her in 2016. She also played on the Chicago Sky in 2017, and the Phoenix Mercury in 2024. Her parents Leticia Copper and Jewelz Butler have been supportive of her professional journey. She’s returning that love, playing several games in pink as an ode to her mother and grandmother surviving breast cancer.

Initially a bench player for three years, Copper’s exceptional skills eventually elevated her to a leading role. She began serving as a starter in 2020. In fact, Copper led the Chicago Sky to the 2021 playoffs, naming her WNBA Finals MVP as the team won their first title in franchise history. Her athletic journey is proof that even if they sleep on you, it’s always worth it to grind hard and prove your worth.

Her Engagement

(Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for adidas

Copper met her now-fiancé Binta Drammeh, a forward for the Swedish National Team, when both talented players served on the Spanish Perfumerias Avenida team in the 2021-2022 season. Thanksgiving of 2023 saw their official engagement.

Not much is known about how their love unfolded. The first public sighting of the couple was upon attended Candace Parker’s Ace All-Star Party in July 2022. The pair announced their engagement in November 2023 via Instagram, complete with a stunning professional photoshoot. Beyond that, there haven’t been many sightings of the couple. They’ve been very open about sharing their love story.

How long has Kahleah Copper been in the WNBA?

Following her college years playing for Rutgers University, the Washington Mystics drafted Kahleah Copper in 2016 as a seventh overall pick.

How much does Kahleah Copper make?

One of the top 10 highest paid athletes in the WNBA, Kahleah Copper earned a rough salary of $241,984 for the 2024 WNBA season.

Who is Kahleah Copper engaged to?

Kahleah Copper is engaged to fellow basketball star Binta Drammeh. Drammeh is a forward for the Swedish National Team, though her talents have gone to several teams across the Euroleague.