WNBA star Hailey Van Lith to play in New Zealand
Friday 2 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story National Basketball League, Tokomanawa Queens, WNBA, Charlisse Leger-Walker, Hailey Van Lith
Connecticut Sun guard Hailey Van Lith has signed with the Tokomanawa Queens for the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league. The 25-year-old American player intends to spend three months exploring New Zealand during her stay.
Key facts
4 facts
- Hailey Van Lith is a 25-year-old WNBA guard playing for the Tokomanawa Queens
- Van Lith was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft
- The player will be in New Zealand for nearly three months
- Van Lith won a bronze medal in the 3x3 basketball tournament at the 2024 Olympic Games
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
WNBA player Hailey Van Lith has arrived in New Zealand to play for the Tokomanawa Queens in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa league. The 25-year-old guard will be in the country for approximately three months. She is expected to be available for the Queens' second round game in Porirua this Sunday.
Van Lith joins teammate Charlisse Leger-Walker, who signed with the Wellington-based franchise in August. The two are teammates at the Connecticut Sun, though Van Lith was unaware Leger-Walker had already signed with the Queens when she was considering her own contract.
Van Lith hopes the move will serve as a mental oasis where she can find "peace and joy in regular life". She intends to explore the country as a tourist to experience the nature, mountains, and local food.
The guard's professional career has included a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympic 3x3 basketball tournament. After being selected 11th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she dealt with a serious ankle injury during her rookie season with the Chicago Sky.
Compiled from reports by RNZ and NZ Herald.
