Kenyan WNBA Star Madina Okot Lands Australian Basketball Deal

Madina Okot will play for Tasmania Jewels in Australia's Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) during the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) off-season. 

The 21-year-old Atlanta Dream guard is due to join the Australian club from October until January before returning to the United States for the 2027 WNBA season. Okot, who became the first Kenyan selected in the opening round of the WNBA Draft, has chosen to continue playing during the American league's off-season instead of taking the usual break. 

She will play alongside Gianna Kneepkens of the Connecticut Sun as Tasmania strengthens its squad for the new campaign. The WNBL season begins on 15 October, with Tasmania hosting Geelong Venom at MyState Bank Arena. Okot is expected to remain with the club until January before returning to Atlanta for her second WNBA season.

Many WNBA players spend the off-season competing overseas, with leagues in Turkey, China, Spain, Italy and Australia offering competitive salaries and high-level competition. Playing abroad also allows athletes to maintain their fitness and gain experience in different basketball environments. Okot said she was looking forward to joining Tasmania and praised the club's approach to player welfare. 

"I like how they take good care of their players, and I just can't wait to meet the whole team," she said during a teleconference with the coaching staff.

The Kenya Basketball Federation welcomed the move and described it as an important step in Okot's career. Federation secretary general Angela Luchivya said playing in another competitive league would strengthen her skills and expand her international experience.

Okot was selected 13th overall by Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Draft after a successful college career at the University of South Carolina. She has built a reputation for her rebounding, shot-blocking and speed. Her selection placed her among a small group of Kenyan players to reach the WNBA, following Josephine Owino and Olivia Nelson-Ododa. 

Owino was drafted in 2009 and played for Washington Mystics, while Nelson-Ododa, selected in 2022, has also competed in international leagues, including Australia and China. By joining Tasmania Jewels, Okot becomes the second Kenyan to play in the WNBL after Nelson-Ododa's time with Melbourne Boomers. 

Atlanta Dream continue to perform strongly in the WNBA. The team is fourth overall and leads the Eastern Conference with a record of 19 wins and 11 defeats. Okot has contributed to that campaign and is expected to return to the club when the 2027 season begins.