How to Play Professional Women's Basketball Abroad
Are you a skilled women's basketball player looking to take your game to the next level? Playing professional women's basketball abroad could be the opportunity you've been looking for. In this article, we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of playing overseas, the recruitment process, compensation, and more.
Flourish in the Foreign has featured two former professional women’s basketball players, Valerie Weyland in Australia & Sheila Dixon in Scotland and Spain, on the podcast. Check out those episodes for their respective experiences of playing abroad.
Why should you consider playing professional women's basketball abroad?
Playing professional basketball abroad can be an exciting opportunity for many reasons. Firstly, it offers the chance to experience a new culture and play basketball in a different environment. Additionally, playing abroad allows players to gain experience and exposure that can help them grow as athletes and advance their careers. Moreover, playing in different leagues abroad can offer different playing styles and strategies, which can help players grow their skills.
Additionally, playing abroad can offer better compensation and benefits than playing in the WNBA. Many professional women's basketball leagues abroad offer higher salaries, as well as housing, transportation, and other perks.
What is the difference between playing in the WNBA and playing professional women's basketball abroad?
The WNBA is the premier professional women's basketball league in the United States, while professional women's basketball leagues abroad offer a wider variety of opportunities for players to play and advance their careers.
While the WNBA has a higher level of competition, a salary cap, and strict roster limits, professional women's basketball leagues abroad offer more flexibility in terms of roster construction and compensation. Additionally, playing abroad can provide an opportunity to play against a wider range of opponents and experience different playing styles.
What is the recruitment process like?
The recruitment process for playing professional women's basketball abroad varies by country, league, and team. In some cases, players can find opportunities by networking, attending basketball camps and clinics, and working with player agents. Some leagues hold open tryouts, while others rely on scouts and recommendations from coaches and other players.
What happens once you sign with a team abroad?
Once you sign with a team abroad, you will typically have to obtain a visa and work permit to play legally in the country. Depending on the league and team, housing and transportation may be provided, but some players may be responsible for their own accommodations. Additionally, players will be expected to adhere to team rules and schedules, attend practices and games, and work closely with their coaches and teammates. You'll also need to adjust to a new culture and potentially learn a new language.
What are compensation and benefits like abroad?
Compensation and benefits can vary widely depending on the league and country, but players can generally expect to receive a salary, housing, transportation, and health insurance. Salaries are typically lower than those in the WNBA, but some players may be able to earn additional income through sponsorships and endorsements.
Why shouldn't you consider playing professional women's basketball abroad?
While playing professional women's basketball abroad can be an exciting and rewarding experience, there are also potential drawbacks. Living in a foreign country and adapting to a new culture can be challenging, and players may experience language barriers and homesickness. Additionally, some leagues may have lower levels of competition, fewer resources, and less support than the WNBA.
How can playing professional women's basketball abroad advance your career?
Playing professional basketball abroad can offer players valuable experience, exposure, and growth opportunities that can help them advance their careers. Playing in different leagues and countries can broaden players' perspectives and help them develop new skills and strategies. Additionally, it can offer exposure to scouts and coaches from around the world, which can lead to new opportunities down the line.
There are many professional basketball women's leagues abroad, but some of the top leagues include:
EuroLeague Women: The EuroLeague Women is the top-tier women's professional basketball league in Europe. It features 16 teams from different countries, including Russia, Spain, France, Italy, and Turkey.
Women's Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA): The WCBA is the top-tier women's professional basketball league in China. It features 20 teams from different regions of China.
Women's Korean Basketball League (WKBL): The WKBL is the top-tier women's professional basketball league in South Korea. It features 10 teams from different regions of South Korea.
Australian Women's National Basketball League (WNBL): The WNBL is the top-tier women's professional basketball league in Australia. It features 8 teams from different regions of Australia.
Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) in New Zealand: The WNBL is the top-tier women's professional basketball league in New Zealand. It features 6 teams from different regions of New Zealand.
Some of the top professional basketball women's teams abroad include:
UMMC Ekaterinburg: A team in the EuroLeague Women from Russia, UMMC Ekaterinburg has won the EuroLeague Women's championship several times and has notable players such as Brittney Griner and Breanna Stewart.
Shanxi Flames: A team in the WCBA from China, the Shanxi Flames have won the WCBA championship several times and have notable players such as Maya Moore and Elizabeth Cambage.
Seoul Samsung Thunders: A team in the WKBL from South Korea, the Seoul Samsung Thunders have won the WKBL championship several times and have notable players such as Temi Fagbenle and Ji-su Park.
Southside Flyers: A team in the WNBL from Australia, the Southside Flyers have won the WNBL championship several times and have notable players such as Liz Cambage and Jenna O'Hea.
Auckland Dream: A team in the WNBL in New Zealand, the Auckland Dream has won the WNBL championship several times and has notable players such as Tessa Boagni and Kalani Purcell.
Playing professional women's basketball abroad can be an excellent opportunity for skilled players to take their game to the next level. It provides a chance to experience a new culture and play basketball in a different environment, as well as gain experience, exposure, and potentially better compensation and benefits. The recruitment process varies, but players can find opportunities through networking, camps, and working with agents. While there are potential challenges and drawbacks, such as language barriers and adapting to a new culture, playing abroad can also advance a player's career by broadening their perspectives, developing new skills and strategies, and exposing them to scouts and coaches from around the world.
