Four current and former NBL1 stars selected in 2026 WNBA Draft

Left image: @laurijeanphotos

Four current and former Australian NBL1 players have achieved the ultimate dream, being selected by WNBA teams in the 2026 draft. 

Saffron Shiels (Toronto Tempo, Pick 26), Manuela Puoch (New York Liberty, Pick 41), Amelia Hassett (Los Angeles Sparks, Pick 35), and Charlise Dunn (Toronto Tempo, Pick 36) were selected across the second and third rounds of the draft. 

Toronto Tempo draftee Saffron Shiels, who played two seasons for the Townsville Fire in the WNBL before missing their recent championship-winning campaign due to injury, spent three years in NBL1 with the Centre of Excellence (2022, 2023) and NBL1 North's Townsville Flames (2024). 

The only current NBL1 player on the list of draftees, Southside Melbourne Flyers WNBL star Manuela Puoch was taken by the New York Liberty late in the draft.

Puoch has spent the last four NBL1 seasons with the Dandenong Rangers in NBL1 South and has averaged 14.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game across her first two outings for the side in 2026.

Los Angeles Sparks draftee Amelia Hassett spent two seasons in NBL1 with the Albury Wodonga Bandits, starting with the side in 2021 when they were in NBL1 South, and continuing with them in 2022 after their move to NBL1 East. 

Hassett played for the Kentucky Wildcats last season, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game for the side. 

Finally, Toronto Tempo draftee Charlise Dunn spent one season with the Knox Raiders back in 2019 before a stint with the Centre of Excellence in the Waratah League, and has since forged an excellent basketball path. 

Playing for the Davidson Wildcats last season, Dunn averaged 15.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. 

These four stars are the perfect endorsement for the pathway that NBL1 can provide, with rising stars from Australia having the opportunity to make their mark in the WNBA. 

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