Marta Suárez Joins Valencia Basket After Brief WNBA Stint, Signs Three-Year Deal
Marta Suárez, the Asturian basketball player, has signed a three-year contract with Valencia Basket, the reigning Liga Femenina champion, according to a press release from the Spanish club. The 26-year-old guard ends a brief stint in the WNBA, where she was selected 16th overall by the Seattle Storm in April but played just two games with the Phoenix Mercury after multiple roster changes.
Suárez, a product of Oviedo’s OCB basketball academy, becomes the first Spanish player to join Valencia Basket since the 2021-22 season. The deal marks a homecoming for the 6-foot-1 guard, who previously played for Unicaja Málaga in Spain’s Liga Femenina before her WNBA draft selection.
WNBA Draft and Roster Movements
Suárez was originally drafted by the Seattle Storm in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft, as confirmed by the league’s official transaction records. However, her rights were quickly traded to the Golden State Valkyries, a team that had not yet begun play in the 2024 season. A Valkyries spokesperson stated the move was part of the franchise’s “strategic roster development.”
After the trade, Suárez was waived by the Valkyries and subsequently signed with the Phoenix Mercury, according to a Mercury press release. She appeared in two games during the 2024 season, averaging 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game, per WNBA.com statistics. The Mercury’s head coach, Niele Ivey, noted Suárez’s “versatility and work ethic” in a post-game interview.
“Marta’s experience in the WNBA, even in a limited role, gives her a unique perspective that will benefit our team,” Ivey said. “She’s a player who adapts quickly and brings leadership to the court.”
Valencia Basket’s Strategic Move
Valencia Basket, which won the 2023-24 Liga Femenina title, announced Suárez’s signing as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its backcourt. The club’s general manager, José María Núñez, highlighted her “international experience and scoring ability” in a statement. “Marta’s return to Spain is a significant addition to our roster as we aim to defend our championship,” Núñez said.
The move comes amid a busy transfer window for European clubs, with several Liga Femenina teams vying for top-tier talent. Suárez’s signing is expected to bolster Valencia’s depth, particularly in the point guard and shooting guard positions, where the team has faced injuries this season.
Impact on Spanish Basketball
Suárez’s return to Spain has drawn attention from national fans, who have followed her career since her early days with OCB. The 26-year-old was a standout player at the 2023 EuroLeague Women’s Championship, where Spain finished fourth. Her experience in the WNBA, though brief, adds a layer of international exposure to her profile.
“Marta’s journey in the WNBA shows the growing global reach of Spanish basketball,” said Álvaro Sánchez, a sports analyst at ESPN Spain. “Her ability to adapt to different leagues and systems is a testament to her skill set.”
Next Steps for Suárez and Valencia Basket
Valencia Basket’s 2024-25 season begins in October, with the club set to compete in both the Liga Femenina and the EuroLeague Women’s. Suárez is expected to make her debut in the preseason friendly against Real Madrid on September 15. The club has not yet disclosed her jersey number or specific role in the team’s system.
For Suárez, the move represents a return to familiar surroundings. “Spain is where I grew up as a player, and I’m excited to contribute to a team with such a strong legacy,” she said in a pre-signing interview. “Valencia Basket has a clear vision, and I want to help them achieve their goals.”
The WNBA’s 2024 season concludes in September, with the playoffs set to begin in late August. Suárez’s time in the league, though short, underscores the increasing competition for roster spots and the fluid nature of player movements in the league.
Why This Move Matters
Suárez’s signing highlights the growing synergy between European and American basketball leagues. The WNBA has seen a
