The 2026 WNBA season sees a strong contingent of former University of Connecticut (UConn) women’s basketball players making their mark. Seventeen UConn stars feature on opening day rosters. Their presence spans nine of the WNBA’s 15 teams, highlighting UConn’s influence on the league.
Golden State Leads with UConn Talent
The Golden State Valkyries lead the way, carrying four Huskies on their roster. The Connecticut Sun, Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm each boast two former UConn players on their final 12-player rosters.
Huskies in Leadership Roles
Beyond the court, UConn alumni are also making contributions in coaching and front office positions. Morgan Tuck, a four-time NCAA champion, is in her second season as general manager for the Sun. Jennifer Rizzotti, a two-time WNBA champion, serves as the franchise’s president.
Hall of Famer Sue Bird and All-Star Renee Montgomery hold ownership stakes in the Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream respectively. Kelly Faris, another two-time NCAA champion, begins her first season as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky, while Barbara Turner enters her second year as an assistant for the Washington Mystics.
Opening Day Matchups Feature UConn Stars
The WNBA season tips off with three games, each featuring at least one former Husky. The Sun face the New York Liberty in Brooklyn. The Toronto Tempo also host the Washington Mystics. The Valkyries conclude the night against the Storm in Seattle.
Individual Player Updates
- Azura Stevens signed with the Sky as a free agent.
- Aaliyah Edwards returns to Connecticut for her third WNBA season.
- Olivia Nelson-Ododa signed a two-year contract with the Sun.
- Paige Bueckers looks to continue her rise to superstardom in second professional season.
Azura Stevens, a 6-foot-6 forward, signed with the Sky as a free agent after spending the last three years with the Los Angeles Sparks. She previously played in Chicago from 2020-22 and rejoins the franchise for her ninth season in the WNBA. Stevens had a career year in 2025, starting all 44 games and averaging 12.8 points, eight rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks with the Sparks.
Aaliyah Edwards was drafted No. 6 overall by the Washington Mystics in 2024 but got traded to the Sun in the middle of 2025. She returns to Connecticut for her third WNBA season after averaging 4.6 points and 4.2 rebounds in 15 game appearances with the team last year. She missed the Sun’s second preseason game Sunday with a left thigh injury but logged 14 points and five rebounds in its April 29 win over the Toronto Tempo.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa, a 6-foot-5 center, signed a two-year contract with the Sun as a restricted free agent entering 2026. She had the most productive season of her career in 2025 averaging 8.2 points, five rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21 minutes per game. This will be her fifth season in the WNBA and fourth with the Sun.
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, looks to continue her rise to superstardom in second professional season after winning Rookie of the Year and earning second-team All-WNBA honors in 2025. The 6-foot guard led the Wings in nearly ever statistical category last year averaging 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals.
With UConn alumnae spread across playing, coaching, and management roles, their impact on the WNBA is undeniable as the 2026 season gets underway.