Though the Olympics are long over, everyone is still buzzing about all of the incredible Black excellence. From basketball to gymnastics, Black women showcased their talents across several athletic avenues. They proved what everyone already knew: there’s nothing a Black women can’t do.
Many were surprised to see some WNBA superstars repping different countries, opening up a broader conversation about American athletes taking their talents overseas. Whether it’s to fulfill a family legacy or better financial opportunity, here are some basketball legends you may not know are balling in a foreign land.
Alexis Peterson
Though she spent six seasons in the WNBA, Alexis Peterson, 29, brought her point guard talents to Israel, Poland and France. She ultimately calls Germany home. She even changed her nationality to German and playing for the country at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Yvonne Anderson
Born in Springdale, Arkansas, point guard Yvonne Anderson obtained Serbian citizenship and has played for the country for two consecutive Olympics. She joined the national team in 2020. During her debut game, she recorded recording an impressive 13 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists.
Gabby Williams
While half-French, half-American power forward Gabby Williams was drafted into the WNBA in 2018, lack of accommodations for playing overseas left her suspended and without pay. She has since politely declined to return to the WNBA, sharing “teams aren’t touching what I’m making in Europe.” While her base salary with the Seattle Storm was $144,000, she’s earning a much higher salary playing for France.
Mya Hollingshed
Granddaughter of NBA star Terry Sykes, Mya Hollingshed was Las Vegas Ace’s eighth pick overall in the 2022 WNBA draft. The Houston native soon took her talents to Puerto Rico, having played for the island since the 2022 World Cup. Her talents helped lead Puerto Rico to its first quarterfinals.
Kahleah Copper
One of the WNBA’s most coveted athletes Kahleah Copper actually met her now-fiancé Binta Drammeh, a forward for the Swedish National Team, when both talented players served on Spain’s Perfumerias Avenida team in the 2021-2022 season. Copper’s work there was so impressive, she was named MVP of the Euroleague.