Ariel Atkins has played in the WNBA since 2018, but each offseason, she packs up and moves halfway across the world. From Poland to Australia to Turkey, Atkins continues to play year-round, balancing the thrill of elite international basketball with the toll it takes on the body and mind. In this piece, Atkins reflects on playing for Fenerbahçe in Turkey’s EuroLeague, the cultural shift of competing abroad, and how she stays grounded in her purpose - on and off the court.
By: Caroline Connor
VIS Creator
Ariel Atkins
VIS Mentor
Topic: Advocacy
June 28 2025
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The annual migration of women’s basketball players to European clubs after the WNBA season is over is a time-worn phenomenon. Due to the average WNBA salary and short length of the season, it’s standard for many players to join a women's basketball team overseas for more pay and development to keep their roster spots in the WNBA.
The fact that WNBA players sign with teams abroad in the offseason highlights persistent issues: they don't get much of a break from basketball an...