A Bright Future For Spanish Basketball

Sports Alert! María Conde Breaks Barriers and Comes to the WNBA: A Bright Future for Spanish Basketball

The Spanish forward joins the Toronto Tempo, marking a milestone in the American women's league and opening doors to a new generation of national talent.

The expectation in the world of women's basketball is palpable. With the next WNBA draft just around the corner, where the participation of a large group of Spanish players is expected, the most important league on the planet has already welcomed one of ours: Maria Conde. The brand new ones Toronto Tempoone of the new franchises debuting this season, have officially announced the incorporation of the talented forward from 29 years to its inaugural squad. Conde, a key player in the Spanish national team, currently plays for Famila Basket Schio in Italy.

The Canadian team has secured Conde's presence through the Expansion Draft, a process designed to provide new franchises with players. In this same draft, another debutant squad, the Portland Firehas also been building his team. The selection of María Conde by the Tempo is not a coincidence, but rather a reflection of her quality and potential in the basketball elite.

María Conde's career in the WNBA has had some unexpected turns. She was originally selected by the Chicago Sky in the 2019 draft. Her rights were later transferred to the Golden State Valkyriesanother expansion franchise that debuted last year, after being selected in another Expansion Draft in 2025. However, an unfortunate Achilles tendon injury prevented Conde from wearing the Valkyries jersey in his league debut.

But 2026 seems to be the definitive year for María Conde's debut in the WNBA. According to information from the prestigious media Basket Giantsthe Toronto Tempo have shown great interest in having the Spaniard join their squad even this season. This news represents a significant boost for Conde's career and for the Spanish presence in the American league.

If everything materializes as expected, the 2026 WNBA season, which will begin on May 8, could have up to four Spanish players, marking an important milestone after a previous campaign without national representation. This possible influx of Spanish talent underlines the growing impact of our athletes on the international stage.

Beyond María Conde, the forecasts for the draft are very encouraging. The latest ESPN projection indicates that up to three more players from our country have a high probability of being selected. Awa Famfrom Valencia Basket, is emerging as a possible choice at number 1. Iyana Martinfrom Perfumerías Avenida, is in position number 8, and Marta Suarezwho has dazzled in March Madness with TCU reaching the Elite Eight, is projected for position number 14. The presence of these young promises predicts a very promising future for Spanish women's basketball.

The last Spanish woman to compete in the WNBA was Astou Ndourwho defended the colors of the Connecticut Sun in 2024. Ndour also holds the honor of being the last Spanish player to lift the WNBA champion trophy, achieving it in 2021 with the Chicago Sky. Two other legends of Spanish basketball have tasted the glory of the WNBA: Amaya Valdemorowho won three rings with the Houston Comets (1998, 1999 and 2000), and Anna Cruzchampion with the Minnesota Lynx in 2015.

The arrival of María Conde to the Toronto Tempo not only strengthens the Canadian franchise, but also links with the rich tradition of Spanish athletes in the city of Toronto, especially through the Toronto Raptors. The NBA franchise has been a recurring destination for Spanish talent over the years.

Players of the stature of Jorge Garbajosa, José Manuel Calderón, Marc GasolSerge Ibaka and Juancho Hernangómez have left their mark on the Raptors. Although the 2022-2023 season was a brief period without a Spanish presence, the success story continues.

These talented players shared a stage in the Raptors under the successful executive direction of Masai Ujiri. Recently, Ujiri has taken a new step in his career by joining the Toronto Tempo ownership group, once again showing his commitment to the sport in the city. His arrival at Tempo occurs with the firm intention of replicating the successes achieved, such as the 2019 ring with Gasol and Ibaka.

Now, with María Conde as one of his main assets, Ujiri seeks to cement a new era of triumphs for the Toronto Tempo, aspiring for the Spanish forward to continue the glorious trail of the Spanish athletes who have triumphed in Toronto. Her presence in the WNBA is a source of pride and an inspiration for future generations of players in Spain.