Spanish Basketball’s WNBA Journey: From Amaya Valdemoro to Helena Pueyo
The bridge between the early days of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its current global expansion is paved with the careers of a few trailblazing Spanish athletes. From the first pioneer who broke the seal in the late 1990s to the modern collegiate stars arriving today, the narrative of Spanish players drafted in the WNBA is one of persistence, championship pedigree and evolving versatility.
To date, 12 Spanish players have been selected in the WNBA draft. While the league has seen a surge in international talent, the Spanish path has been characterized by high-impact individuals who balanced the demands of the European game with the physical intensity of the North American professional circuit.
The Pioneer: Amaya Valdemoro and the Houston Dynasty
Every history of Spanish basketball in the United States begins with Amaya Valdemoro. In 1998, Valdemoro became the first Spanish player ever selected in the WNBA draft, taken by the Houston Comets with the 30th overall pick. She didn’t just enter the league; she entered a dynasty.
Valdemoro’s tenure with the Comets was defined by ultimate success, as she secured three championship rings. However, the experience was not without its frustrations. Reflecting on her time in Houston, Valdemoro noted the limitations of her role within the roster.
“Now I look back and feel ‘how unlucky, that they didn’t let me go to another franchise’. I could have made a name for myself there in the United States, but I am very happy because I won three rings. A team is made of everyone, those who play more and those who play less.”
The basketball world recognizes this impact officially this summer, as Valdemoro is set to develop into the first Spanish player inducted into the WNBA Hall of Fame, cementing her status as the foundational figure for all Spanish women playing in the U.S.
Bridging the Gap: Nuria Martínez and Alba Torrens
Following Valdemoro’s initial breakthrough, there was a significant hiatus before another Spanish player was drafted. While several Spanish athletes—including Betty Cebrián, Marina Ferragut, Elisa Aguilar, Begoña García, and Isa Sánchez—managed to play in the league during the late 90s and early 2000s, they did so without the distinction of being draft picks.
That changed in 2004 when Nuria Martínez was selected 36th overall by the Sacramento Monarchs. Martínez’s path was winding; her rights were traded to the Minnesota Lynx, where she appeared in a single game during the summer of 2005. It wasn’t until 2010, following a bronze medal performance with the Spanish national team at the World Cup in the Czech Republic, that she returned to Minnesota to play an additional 15 games.
By 2009, the trajectory shifted toward elite prospect status with Alba Torrens. Drafted 36th overall by the Connecticut Sun, Torrens entered the professional conversation as one of the most decorated young players in Europe. She had already competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and had been recognized as the best young player on the continent, signaling a new era of Spanish talent that arrived in the U.S. With established international resumes.
The Modern Standard: Helena Pueyo
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The most recent chapter in this history is written by Helena Pueyo. A guard known for her vision and versatility, Pueyo represents the modern “student-athlete” model, having spent five years honing her craft in the American collegiate system with the Arizona Wildcats from 2019 to 2024.
Pueyo’s collegiate career was marked by defensive tenacity and consistent growth. By her senior year, she earned a spot on the All-Pac-12 Team (2024) and was a two-time selection for the Pac-12 All-Defensive Team in 2023, and 2024. This combination of defensive reliability and court awareness made her a prime target for the Connecticut Sun, who selected her in the second round (22nd overall pick) of the 2024 WNBA draft.
Beyond the court, Pueyo has set a high academic bar for professional athletes, holding both a Bachelor’s degree in nutritional science and a Master’s degree in public health. This dual focus on intellectual and athletic development has become a hallmark of the new generation of Spanish players heading stateside.
Pueyo’s Professional Transition
Currently, Pueyo is competing in the Liga Femenina with Casademont Zaragoza. Her transition back to Spanish professional basketball after her time at Arizona allows her to maintain her rhythm while remaining on the WNBA radar. Her international experience is equally robust; she debuted with the Spanish national team in 2023 and recently helped Spain secure a silver medal at the 2025 European Championship in Greece.
Comparing the Eras of Spanish Draft Picks
The evolution from Valdemoro to Pueyo shows a clear shift in how Spanish players approach the WNBA. While early pioneers often navigated the league as established European veterans, modern players like Pueyo use the NCAA as a strategic springboard.
| Player | Draft Year | WNBA Team | Key Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaya Valdemoro | 1998 | Houston Comets | First Spanish player drafted; 3 rings |
| Nuria Martínez | 2004 | Sacramento/Minnesota | Bridge between pioneer and modern eras |
| Alba Torrens | 2009 | Connecticut Sun | Drafted as Europe’s top young talent |
| Helena Pueyo | 2024 | Connecticut Sun | NCAA standout; All-Pac-12 Defender |
The Broader Landscape of Spanish Talent
the draft is not the only way Spanish talent has permeated the WNBA. The league has historically benefited from “undrafted” Spanish players who earned their way onto rosters through summer leagues or direct signings. This indicates that the Spanish basketball system—centered around the Liga Femenina and a strong national team structure—consistently produces professional-grade talent regardless of draft status.
The progression from the 30th pick in 1998 to the 22nd pick in 2024 reflects a growing respect for the Spanish game. The league is no longer just looking for a “European curiosity” but for specific tactical assets—such as Pueyo’s defensive versatility or Torrens’ scoring efficiency—that can fit into a sophisticated WNBA system.
As Valdemoro enters the Hall of Fame this summer, the cycle completes itself. The pioneer who once wondered if she could have “made a name for herself” on a different franchise has instead created a blueprint that allows players like Helena Pueyo to enter the league with a degree in hand, a collegiate pedigree, and a clear path to professional success.
Next Checkpoint: The sports world awaits the official induction ceremonies for the WNBA Hall of Fame this summer, where Amaya Valdemoro will be formally honored.
Do you think more Spanish players will follow the NCAA route like Helena Pueyo, or is the traditional European professional path still the best way to reach the WNBA? Let us know in the comments.
