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.