Rebecca Lobo made history as the first UConn women’s basketball player to join the WNBA back in 1997. Now, almost 30 years later, every WNBA team has at least one former Huskies player on their roster. This milestone was achieved after the Connecticut Sun traded former UConn guard Moriah Jefferson to the Chicago Sky.
The success of UConn players in the WNBA can be attributed to the powerhouse women’s college basketball program led by legendary coach Geno Auriemma since 1985. Under Auriemma’s guidance, the Huskies have clinched 11 NCAA Division I National Championships and produced WNBA superstars like Sue Bird, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Maya Moore, and Breanna Stewart, all of whom were No. 1 overall draft picks.
Currently, 17 former Huskies are spread across all 12 WNBA teams. These players include notable names like Charles, Taurasi, Stewart, and Collier, who are gearing up to represent Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics and participate in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game.
With the emergence of rising star Paige Bueckers, who is expected to be a top pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and her decision to return to UConn for another year, the influence of the Huskies in the league shows no signs of waning anytime soon.
The strong presence of UConn players in the WNBA not only highlights the talent and success of the Huskies’ basketball program but also underscores the significant impact they have had on the professional league. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming WNBA season and the performance of these former Huskies on the court, it is clear that the legacy of UConn in women’s basketball remains unmatched.