Delin Erdoğan, a Turkish guard, had been thinking about taking a break from basketball after finishing her season with Galatasaray. However, a surprising call from Liberty earlier this month changed her mind.
“It’s a bit ironic,” Erdoğan said on Tuesday. “I always dreamed of playing in the WNBA, but I honestly didn’t think it would happen this year. I figured, once my season was done, that was it for me.”
At 23, Erdoğan was busy preparing for the EuroLeague Women’s Final 6 in Zaragoza, Spain, when she received the unexpected phone call.
Seeing her agent’s name on the screen puzzled her at first, especially since it was so late. But she sensed it was something important.
When her agent informed her about the Liberty’s interest in signing her for a training camp contract, Erdoğan could hardly believe it.
“I was completely taken aback,” she recounted. “I didn’t really know how to respond at first—just shocked. I was ecstatic, but I couldn’t process it. My agent reminded me that it was an offer I couldn’t decline, and I was like, ‘No kidding!’”
After about half an hour, the reality of the situation started to set in.
“I feel so thankful for this chance,” she expressed. “It’s really exciting to be here.”
Liberty appreciates Erdoğan’s physicality and strength on the court. Standing at 5-foot-6, she is known for her aggressive driving and scoring ability, adding an important dimension to the team during training camp.
While she is hopeful about securing a final development deal with New York, she emphasized that she’s focused on making the most of her experience.
“I’m taking things step by step,” Erdoğan noted. “I’m just really appreciative of this opportunity. I want to be a good teammate, maintain a positive attitude, and give my all in every practice…I just want to soak in this moment.”
Meanwhile, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has previously discussed the idea of hosting games outside North America in the future.
Marin Johannes mentioned Paris as a potential location for international WNBA games.
“I genuinely think Paris would be a great choice,” Johannes remarked. “We’ve already hosted an NBA game here with Victor Wembanyama. It was a fantastic event, really. So many people showed up, it felt almost cramped with everyone eager to attend the game.”
With the WNBA enjoying a surge in popularity, Johannes concurred with Engelbert that the league should pursue opportunities to globalize.
“I really believe we’re ready for this,” she said. “[International fans] just want the chance to enjoy these moments.”
