The WNBA players with Philly ties, from Kahleah Copper to, yes, Caitlin Clark
Philly hoops are famous for a reason, as the region has produced plenty of talent in the men’s and women’s game. Some active WNBA players claim Philly proudly; others are more low-key. But one thing is certain: The city is well-represented, and there’s a good chance some local talent will suit up when the W arrives in 2030.
Philly hoops are famous for a reason, as the region has produced plenty of talent in the men’s and women’s game. Some active WNBA players claim Philly proudly; others are more low-key. But one thing is certain: The city is well-represented, and there’s a good chance some local talent will suit up when the W arrives in 2030.
Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury
The North Philly native — and aspiring Inquirer reporter — is a three-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. She recently returned from injury without missing a beat for the Phoenix Mercury, who have the second-best record in the W.
Kahleah Copper, Phoenix Mercury
The North Philly native — and aspiring Inquirer reporter — is a three-time All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. She recently returned from injury without missing a beat for the Phoenix Mercury, who have the second-best record in the W.
Natasha Cloud, New York Liberty
The Broomall native and St. Joe’s grad carries the city’s ethos with her on the court — as noted by her three All-Defensive nods with the Washington Mystics and Mercury — and in her advocacy. Now she’s closer to home with the Liberty.
Natasha Cloud, New York Liberty
The Broomall native and St. Joe’s grad carries the city’s ethos with her on the court — as noted by her three All-Defensive nods with the Washington Mystics and Mercury — and in her advocacy. Now she’s closer to home with the Liberty.
Lucy Olsen, Washington Mystics
After starring at Spring-Ford and Villanova, Olsen transferred to Iowa for a season and was drafted in the second round by the Mystics. It’s famously hard to make a WNBA roster, but Olsen did it and scored a career-high 19 points on July 3.
Lucy Olsen, Washington Mystics
After starring at Spring-Ford and Villanova, Olsen transferred to Iowa for a season and was drafted in the second round by the Mystics. It’s famously hard to make a WNBA roster, but Olsen did it and scored a career-high 19 points on July 3.
Maddy Siegrist, Dallas Wings
The Villanova great is in her third season with the Dallas Wings. But she has a home here, whether she’s working for her alma mater or preparing for her wedding to Stephen Perretta, the son of her former coach, Harry, and a coach at Drexel.
Maddy Siegrist, Dallas Wings
The Villanova great is in her third season with the Dallas Wings. But she has a home here, whether she’s working for her alma mater or preparing for her wedding to Stephen Perretta, the son of her former coach, Harry, and a coach at Drexel.
Breanna Stewart, Liberty, and Brittney Sykes, Mystics
Stewie (pictured) is from upstate New York, and Sykes is from Newark, N.J., but they rose to stardom playing for the Philadelphia Belles AAU team. Now, Stewart is one of the faces of the league, while Sykes is a key veteran for the Mystics.
Breanna Stewart, Liberty, and Brittney Sykes, Mystics
Stewie (pictured) is from upstate New York, and Sykes is from Newark, N.J., but they rose to stardom playing for the Philadelphia Belles AAU team. Now, Stewart is one of the faces of the league, while Sykes is a key veteran for the Mystics.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Liberty
Laney-Hamilton was born in Philly and raised in Delaware. Her mother, Yolanda Laney, is an icon in the Philly girls’ basketball scene and coached future stars like Dawn Staley. Laney even has a street named after her at 40th and Baring.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Liberty
Laney-Hamilton was born in Philly and raised in Delaware. Her mother, Yolanda Laney, is an icon in the Philly girls’ basketball scene and coached future stars like Dawn Staley. Laney even has a street named after her at 40th and Baring.
Kia Nurse, Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky guard’s sister played college hoops, and her brother, Darnell Nurse, is a defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers. Her cousin, Sarah, plays in the PWHL. Philly fans definitely know of her uncle: former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.
Kia Nurse, Chicago Sky
The Chicago Sky guard’s sister played college hoops, and her brother, Darnell Nurse, is a defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers. Her cousin, Sarah, plays in the PWHL. Philly fans definitely know of her uncle: former Eagles QB Donovan McNabb.
Jonquel Jones, Liberty
The Liberty star (left) moved from the Bahamas at age 13 to live with now-Temple coach Diane Richardson, who was coaching at Riverdale Baptist School in Maryland at the time. Richardson helped develop her into the 2021 WNBA MVP.
Jonquel Jones, Liberty
The Liberty star (left) moved from the Bahamas at age 13 to live with now-Temple coach Diane Richardson, who was coaching at Riverdale Baptist School in Maryland at the time. Richardson helped develop her into the 2021 WNBA MVP.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Clark is from Iowa and went to Iowa. But her longtime boyfriend is Connor McCaffery, the son of former Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery, who is from Philly, played at Penn, and now coaches the Quakers. So she’s basically a local.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Clark is from Iowa and went to Iowa. But her longtime boyfriend is Connor McCaffery, the son of former Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery, who is from Philly, played at Penn, and now coaches the Quakers. So she’s basically a local.