The WNBA Draft 2026 just delivered a moment that will be etched in Kenyan sporting history forever. Our very own Madina Okot has officially taken her talents to the United States’ biggest stage, being drafted by the Atlanta Dream as the 13th overall pick in the first round.
Standing at a towering 6-foot-6, the former Zetech University and KPA star has completed a meteoric rise that feels like something out of a movie. It’s hard to believe that just six years ago, Okot was focusing on volleyball in Mumias before picking up a basketball for the first time in 2020.
From South Carolina to the A-Town
Okot’s journey through the US college system was short but absolutely dominant. After a stint at Mississippi State, she moved to the University of South Carolina, where she became a force of nature under the legendary Dawn Staley.
Last season, she was a walking double-double, averaging 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. She didn’t just play; she bullied opponents in the paint, leading the SEC in rebounding and proving that Kenyan grit translates to any level. While an NCAA eligibility ruling forced her into the draft earlier than some expected, it clearly didn’t hurt her stock.
The Dream Team: Reunited with Greatness
In Atlanta, Madina isn’t just joining any team—she’s joining a squad that is quickly becoming a powerhouse. She’ll be linking up with superstar Angel Reese, who recently made the move from Chicago to Atlanta. Imagine that frontcourt!
The Dream also signed her to a massive four-year deal worth over $1.2 million, with her rookie year salary set at roughly $289,133. It’s a life-changing move for a girl who was playing 3×3 basketball in Nairobi just a few years back.
Why This Matters
Madina is now the first-ever Kenyan to be selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft. She’s carrying the Kenyan flag to a league that is currently the center of the sporting world. For every young hooper in Nairobi or Kisumu, she is the ultimate proof that the “grind” pays off.
As she heads to the “A,” we’re all rooting for her to dominate the boards just like she did back home. Atlanta just got a lot more Kenyan fans!
