Athletes Unlimited’s roster features a mix of WNBA veterans and emerging stars appeared first on Clutch Points. Add ClutchPoints as Favorite source by clicking here.
Athletes Unlimited announced Thursday its final roster for the fifth season of its professional women’s basketball league, a group that once again includes a strong contingent of established players. WNBA talent led by Tina Charles.
Advertisement
The field of 40 players includes 20 returning players and 20 newcomers for the season, which begins Feb. 4 and ends March 1 at Municipal Auditorium, according to the Associated Press. Returners include Charles, the WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds and field goals, as well as veterans Ariel Atkins, Alysha Clark, Kia Nurse, Odyssey Sims, Aerial Powers, Kiah Stokes, Brianna Turner, Isabelle Harrison and Bria Hartley.
Lexie Brown, president of the UA Professional Basketball Players Executive Committee, will also be joined by her father, Dee Brown, who will serve as a player improvement specialist alongside Danielle Viglione. The coaching staff includes Zak Buncik, Edniesha Curry, Chaz Franklin and Kia Vaughn.
The list also includes younger players and recent stars such as Aneesah Morrow, NaLyssa Smith, Jacy Sheldon, Te-Hina Paopao, Zia Cooke, Deja Kelly, Kaitlyn Chen, Jaylyn Sherrod and Aaliyah Nye.
Megan Perry, vice president of basketball at Athletes Unlimited, said the depth of the roster reflects the league’s continued growth.
Advertisement
“The depth of the 40 spots is exceptional, and it’s going to make this season one of the toughest and most compelling we’ve had,” Perry said.
Athletes Unlimited Steadily increasing participation in the WNBA since its launch in 2022, when just over a third of players had championship experience. By 2024, this figure had risen to over 70%, marking the league’s growing role as a competitive off-season option for professional players.
