Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected 18th overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun. This marks a historic moment as she became the first Kiwi to be drafted into the WNBA.
Key points:
- Draft: 2nd round, 18th overall (Connecticut Sun).[1][5]
- SIGNIFICANCE: First player from New Zealand to be drafted into the WNBA, following her NCAA championship run with UCLA and prior recovery from an ACL injury.[6][1]
- Context: Leger-Walker previously withdrew from the 2024 WNBA draft to focus on ACL rehabilitation and later returned to compete at UCLA, where she contributed as a guard in a high-efficiency Bruins offense.[5][1]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest responses from multiple outlets and summarize any post-draft quotes or contract details.
Sources
Kiwi basketball star Charlisse Leger-Walker’s dream of playing in the WNBA has come a step closer to reality after being selected by the Connecticut Sun in
www.newstalkzb.co.nzUCLA women's basketball guard Charlisse Leger-Walker has been selected 18th overall by the Connecticut Sun in the second round of the 2026 WNBA Draft.
247sports.comCharlisse Leger-Walker, a former basketball player for Washington State University and the Tall Ferns, is back on the court after recovering from a torn ACL. The Commonwealth Games bronze medalist had been a strong candidate for the 2024 WNBA draft, but she withdrew from consideration following her injury. Now, she's ready to make a comeback and is aiming to play in the WNBA once again.
nationaltoday.comCharlisse Leger-Walker is the sixth player selected from UCLA, breaking the record for most players from one team picked in the same draft on Watch ESPN, first streamed on Monday, April 13, 2026.
www.espn.comCharlisse Leger-Walker's journey to becoming the first Kiwi woman to win an NCAA championship is an inspiring tale of determination and talent. But it's more than just a personal triumph; it's a significant moment in New Zealand's sporting history, and it's worth taking a closer look at why this ach...
doorcountyaa.orgCharlisse Leger-Walker is on the cusp of being the second Kiwi to ever play in the WNBA.
www.nzherald.co.nzLeger-Walker will use a medical redshirt and return to the Bruins for the 2025-26 season
new.cbssports.com