Gabby Williams backs WNBA's influx of international stars

A record 51 foreign-born players appeared this season

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 251 min read

“It’s good for basketball, it’s good for women, it’s good for sports all over the world.” Gabby Williams speaks to the Via @Winsidr on X

What happened: Williams said the league's international growth benefits basketball, women and sports worldwide. Her comments come during the WNBA's 30th anniversary season.

Why it matters: The growing international presence broadens the league's talent pool and reach beyond the United States. Williams framed that visibility as a benefit for women across sports, not only for the WNBA.

By the numbers: By the opening week, 51 players born outside the U.S. had appeared, breaking the single-season record of 50 set in 2001.

What to watch: The final 2026 total will show how far the record climbs beyond the opening-week mark.

Sources

@Winsidr 2026-07-25T23:02:54.971814+00:00

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

WNBAAnalysisGabby Williams

Follow WNBA Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportWNBA

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →