In a significant move for Australian women’s basketball, Saffron Shiels and Manuela Puoch have been drafted into the WNBA, joining the Toronto Tempo and New York Liberty, respectively. Shiels, selected 26th overall, will reunite with her Opals coach Sandy Brondello at the Tempo.
The first overall pick of the draft was Azzi Fudd, chosen by the Dallas Wings, who will team up with her former college partner Paige Bueckers, the top selection from the previous year.
Shiels and Puoch’s selections reflect the growing presence of Australian players in the WNBA. Shiels, a guard for the Townsville Fire, was drafted by Toronto Tempo on Tuesday morning (AEST), while Puoch, a forward with the Southside Melbourne Flyers, was picked 41st overall by the Liberty. During her breakout season, Puoch averaged 4.4 points and 1.3 rebounds per game and contributed to Australia’s silver medal win at the 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup.
Notably, Puoch’s draft follows her sister Nyadiew Puoch’s selection by the Portland Fire in the recent expansion draft on April 4. At the Liberty, Manuela will be joined by Anneli Maley from the Perth Lynx, who has signed a training camp contract, and fellow Opal Bec Allan, who reportedly secured a deal worth $350,000 USD ($494,000 AUD).
Saffron Shiels will be one of three Australians on the Tempo’s roster, joining Opal Kristy Wallace and Maddy Rocci from Southside Melbourne. Shiels has represented Australia at both senior and junior levels and was part of the WNBL-winning team with the Fire, although she did not play last season. In her previous two seasons with Townsville, she averaged 5.4 points, three rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game during the 2024/2025 season. Additionally, she is the daughter of Peter Shiels, a former rugby league player who played professionally in the 1990s and 2000s.
The Dallas Wings’ selection of Azzi Fudd, a standout from the University of Connecticut, highlights her impressive season, securing her the top draft position. Following her, the Minnesota Lynx chose guard Olivia Miles at number two, with Awa Fam (Seattle Storm), Lauren Betts (Washington Mystics), and Gabriela Jaquez (Chicago Sky) completing the top five picks.
In related news, Adelaide Lightning forward Steph Talbot has signed a new contract with the reigning champions, the Las Vegas Aces.
