Lynx Offseason Update Vol. 1: Where Minnesota Players Are Playing Around the World (2026)

Hold onto your seats, basketball fans, because the Minnesota Lynx are taking the world by storm—literally! With 12 players scattered across the globe, the Lynx are proving that their talent knows no borders. And while the WNBA offseason is on pause due to the pending Collective Bargaining Agreement, we’re here to give you a front-row seat to the action. Think of it as an early holiday treat—the Lynx Offseason Update is back and better than ever!

But here’s where it gets fascinating: these players aren’t just killing it on the court; they’re doing it in countries you might not expect. From Turkey to Italy, Russia to France, the Lynx roster is a global powerhouse. Let’s dive into where they’re playing, how they’re performing, and why it matters—because this is the part most people miss: the international grind that keeps these athletes sharp for the WNBA season.

Kayla McBride is back in her second home, Turkey, suiting up for Fenerbahçe. While some thought she’d return to Unrivaled this offseason, McBride chose the team that holds a special place in her heart. And she’s delivering—leading her squad with offensive firepower and deep shooting. But here’s the controversial part: is playing overseas the best way for WNBA stars to stay sharp, or does it risk burnout? Let us know what you think in the comments!

  • Turkey-KBSL Stats: 4 games — 17.0 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.5 SPG
  • EuroLeague Stats: 4 games — 15.8 PPG, 3.3 APG, 2.0 RPG, 1.5 SPG
  • Recent Highlight: Nov. 29 vs. Besiktas (107-78 win) — 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists in just 16 minutes.

Bridget Carleton is adding the Czech Republic to her impressive list of countries played in, bringing her total to seven. With USK Praha, she’s off to a strong start, showcasing her three-point prowess in both the Czech Republic-ZBL and EuroLeague.

  • Czech Republic-ZBL Stats: 4 games — 11.0 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.8 SPG
  • EuroLeague Stats: 3 games — 11.0 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG
  • Recent Highlight: Dec. 3 vs. Trutnov (109-52 win) — 19 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists in 21 minutes.

Jessica Shepard, the walking double-double, is dominating in Italy with Famila Schio after a stint in Greece. Her ability to control the boards and contribute offensively has been a game-changer.

  • Italy-Serie A1 Stats: 7 games — 16.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 SPG
  • EuroLeague Stats: 6 games — 13.7 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.2 SPG
  • Recent Highlight: Dec. 7 vs. San Giovanni (66-44 win) — 16 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal in 27 minutes.

Maria Kliundikova and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu are teaming up in Russia with UMMC Yekateringburg. Kliundikova’s all-around game and Kosu’s development are turning heads, with both players making their mark in the Russia-PBL.

  • Kliundikova’s Stats: 8 games — 12.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.1 BPG
  • Kosu’s Stats: 7 games — 12.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG
  • Recent Highlight (Kliundikova): Dec. 8 vs. Ivanovo (96-51 win) — 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists in 23 minutes.

Dorka Juhász is in Turkey with Galatasaray, skipping Italy this offseason. Her balanced performances in both the Turkey-KBSL and EuroLeague are a testament to her versatility.

  • Turkey-KBSL Stats: 6 games — 13.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.3 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
  • EuroLeague Stats: 8 games — 12.6 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 BPG
  • Recent Highlight: Nov. 26 vs. Sopron (104-54 win) — 22 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists in 20 minutes.

Maia Hirsch and Camryn Taylor are both in France, with Hirsch playing for Charleville-Mezieres and Taylor for Landerneau. Hirsch is bouncing back from an inconsistent offseason, while Taylor is heating up after a slow start.

  • Hirsch’s Franco-BWL Stats: 8 games — 19.5 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.3 BPG
  • Taylor’s France-BWL Stats: 6 games — 5.2 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG
  • Recent Highlight (Taylor): Nov. 29 vs. Angers (75-67 win) — 12 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block in 19 minutes.

And let’s not forget Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Natisha Hiedeman, and Alanna Smith, who are staying stateside to compete in the second season of Unrivaled. With the 3-on-3 league expanding to eight teams in 2026, the competition is fiercer than ever.

But here’s the big question: With so many Lynx players excelling internationally, is the WNBA truly the pinnacle of women’s basketball, or are these overseas leagues becoming equally competitive? Share your thoughts below!

That’s all for this week’s update. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more Lynx Offseason Updates as we track these incredible athletes across the globe!

Lynx Offseason Update Vol. 1: Where Minnesota Players Are Playing Around the World (2026)
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