Tokomanawa Queens' WNBA signings

5 stories · since September 2026 Quiet since 12 Oct

Photo: Otago Daily Times (opens in new tab) · Charlisse Leger-Walker’s half-court stunner not enough as Queens lose to Hoiho on buzzer-beater

The story so far

Connecticut Sun players Hailey Van Lith and Charlisse Leger-Walker were announced as joining the Tokomanawa Queens for the 2026 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa season, after their WNBA commitments.23 Sep Van Lith, a 25-year-old American guard, signed with the Queens and plans to spend three months exploring New Zealand.2 Oct Leger-Walker, a WNBA rookie, arrived in Wellington after her debut season with the Sun, with her Tauihi debut set for a game against the Mainland Pouākai in Porirua.2 Oct Van Lith then arrived in Wellington for an offseason stint, aiming to immerse herself in New Zealand culture.4 Oct

Key moments

  1. Van Lith and Leger-Walker announced as Tokomanawa Queens signings for 2026.
  2. Van Lith signs with the Queens, planning three months in New Zealand.
  3. Leger-Walker arrives in Wellington ahead of her Tauihi debut against Mainland Pouākai.
  4. Van Lith arrives in Wellington to join the Queens.
  5. Queens lose to Hoiho on a buzzer-beater despite Leger-Walker's half-court shot.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.

Key people and organisations

All stories

October 2026

September 2026

Coverage

  • StuffStuff7
  • NZ HeraldNZ Herald3
  • Waikato TimesWaikato Times1
  • RNZRNZ1
  • The PostThe Post1
  • Otago Daily TimesOtago Daily Times1