Australian Basketball Star Nyadiew Puoch Selected by Portland Fire in WNBA Expansion Draft
Australian rising star Nyadiew Puoch has been drafted by the Portland Fire as the No. 16 overall pick in the WNBA expansion draft, following an outstanding breakout season with the WNBL side UC Capitals. The 21-year-old forward, who was previously selected by the Atlanta Dream in the 2024 draft, now joins Portland's roster, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Puoch's Breakout Season and Memorable Moments
Puoch emerged as a standout player for the UC Capitals last season, averaging impressive statistics of 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Despite her team narrowly missing the WNBL finals, she delivered a highlight-reel moment in January during Canberra's 77-74 victory over the Perth Lynx. In the dying seconds of the match, Puoch launched a remarkable shot from the halfway line to secure the win, showcasing her clutch performance under pressure.
Reflecting on her journey, Puoch expressed disbelief at her rapid ascent. "Honestly, if you spoke to me this time three years ago, I wouldn't believe any of this would happen," she said. "I go out there, have fun, play basketball, and these opportunities have opened up for me. It means a lot. It's a new expansion team in the WNBA, so I'm excited."
Other Australian Players Joining the WNBA Expansion
Puoch is not the only Australian talent making waves in the expansion draft. Chloe Bibby, an Opals player, was acquired by the Portland Fire as the 11th pick. Bibby spent last season with Caitlin Clark's Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries, bringing valuable experience to the new team. Puoch noted the comfort of having a fellow Australian on the roster, stating, "It makes it less daunting having someone there, and Chloe's been at a different expansion team at the Bay [Golden State] as well. She's a great player and a great human, so being able to be around her is really exciting and cool."
Additionally, Opals coach Sandy Brondello, who is leading the other new WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo, selected her Olympic bronze medallist Kristy Wallace from the Fever as the 23rd overall pick. This trio of Australians will join several other stars in the expanded competition, which is set to commence on 8 May.
New Collective Bargaining Agreement and League Changes
The expansion comes after the WNBA and players' union finalized a new collective bargaining agreement on 24 March. This agreement introduces a revenue-sharing system, increases the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, and raises one-year maximum salaries to $1.4 million. These changes aim to enhance player compensation and support the growth of the league.
Portland's selection of veteran forward Bridget Carleton with the first pick in the expansion draft marks the return of a WNBA team to the city after 24 years. Meanwhile, the Toronto Tempo chose guard Julie Allemand, who played last season for the Los Angeles Sparks, with its first pick, further diversifying the league's talent pool.
With these developments, the WNBA expansion draft not only highlights the rising influence of Australian players but also signals a new era of growth and opportunity in women's professional basketball.
