WNBL young stars set for WNBA after successful draft

Two of the WNBL’s brightest young talents have taken the next step in their careers, with Townsville’s Saffron Shiels and Southside Melbourne’s Manuela Puoch both selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft. 

Their selection comes amid a period of international growth for women's basketball with both players joining an expanding Australian contingent in the WNBA.

Shiels was taken with the 26th overall pick by the Toronto Tempo, drafted by Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello. Pouch followed at pick 41 landing with reigning Champions, New York Liberty. 

Shiels has been in international radars for years and has built an impressive resume after representing Australia in the 2022 FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup and the 2023 U19 World Cup before claiming gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup where she earned All-Star Five honours. 

Her selection comes despite missing the entire WNBL26 season following ankle surgery, underlining the strength of her reputation after featuring in the 2025 Nike Hoops Summit. 

Shiels joins an impressive Australian presence in Toronto with Head Coach Brondello also selecting Charlise Dunn with the 36th pick. Both Kristy Wallace and Maddy Rocci will be part of the franchise’s training camp, signalling a clear Australian influence ahead of the team’s inaugural season. 

Meanwhile, Pouch will join a new-look New York Liberty under new Head Coach Chris DeMarco. She will join fellow Australians Bec Allen, who has re-signed with the franchise, and Anneli Maley who is joining the Liberty on a training contract. 

The 2025 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup silver medallist had a standout season for the Southside Melbourne Flyers, highlighted by a standout Round 11 performance against Adealdie, where she earned Player of the Game honours. 

Lastly, young Australian Amelia Hassett was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the 35th overall pick. Coming out of the University of Kentucky, she’ll join Lightning import Sania Feagin in the sunny state of California. 

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