Rising Star Nyadiew Puoch Makes WNBA Debut
Nyadiew Puoch, a rising star in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), has been selected by the Portland Fire in the WNBA’s expansion draft. This marks a significant milestone for the 21-year-old, who played a key role for the UC Capitals last season.
Puoch was the breakout star for the Capitals, averaging 11.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. Despite her impressive performance, the team fell just short of making the WNBL finals. Her most memorable moment came in January during a thrilling 77-74 victory over the Perth Lynx, where she hit a half-court buzzer beater to secure the win.
Being chosen 16th in the draft to join the Fire’s 12-player roster is another achievement for Puoch, following her 2024 selection by the Atlanta Dream. However, she opted to delay her rookie season to continue developing in the Australian league.
“I honestly wouldn’t have believed any of this would happen if you spoke to me three years ago,” Puoch 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.”
A Familiar Face in the Lineup
Puoch is not the only Australian to make the Fire’s roster. Opal Chloe Bibby was selected with the 11th pick after spending the previous season with Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever and the Golden State Valkyries. Having another Australian on the team makes the transition easier for Puoch.
“It makes it less daunting having someone there, and Chloe’s been at a different expansion team at the Bay [Golden State] as well,” Puoch explained. “She’s a great player and a great human, so being able to be around her is really exciting and cool. We also have two members at the club who are Australian as well.”
Another notable addition to the Fire’s roster is Kristy Wallace, who was selected as the 21st pick. Wallace, an Olympic bronze medalist with the Opals, was previously with the Indiana Fever. She will join forces with Sandy Brondello, the Australian two-time WNBA champion coach, who is leading the Toronto Tempo expansion team.
Expansion Teams and Roster Building
The Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo are the 14th and 15th teams in the WNBA. Both teams were allowed to select players from current rosters, but existing teams could protect a maximum of five players to keep them off the table during the expansion draft.
The teams will finalize their rosters at the WNBA Draft on April 13. Puoch, Bibby, and Wallace will join several other Australian stars in the competition, which begins on May 8.
New Collective Bargaining Agreement
The league and players’ union recently completed talks for a new collective bargaining agreement. This agreement will introduce a new revenue-sharing system, increase the salary cap to $US7 million ($10 million) from $US1.5 million ($2.1 million), and raise one-year salaries to a maximum of $US1.4 million.
This development is expected to bring more stability and financial support to players, creating a more competitive and attractive league for fans and athletes alike.
Looking Ahead
With the new expansion teams and the updated collective bargaining agreement, the WNBA is set for an exciting season. Players like Puoch, Bibby, and Wallace will bring their skills and experience to the league, contributing to its growth and success.
As the season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how these new additions perform on the court and how they shape the future of women’s basketball in the United States.
