On Friday, the 2026 WNBA season officially got underway, and three former Longhorns were on opening night rosters. That list includes Ariel Atkins, Sug Sutton, and Rori Harmon. While they are all at different points in their careers, Friday was a reminder of the type of talent the Longhorns have produced.
Of the trio, Atkins has the most experience, having been drafted seventh overall in the 2018 WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics. During her career, Atkins has been one of the best players in the league. She is a five-time WNBA All-Defensive Team selection and is the only player to be named to the All-Defensive Team in each of her first five years in the league. She has also shined on the global stage, winning an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA in 2020.
Like Atkins, Sutton is a well-known name after entering the league in 2020. Through five seasons, the former Longhorn has averaged six points and 1.7 rebounds per game. Sutton also etched her name into the record books during the 2023 campaign, when she recorded the first triple-double in Phoenix Mercury.
Rounding out the list is Harmon, who is one of the best players to ever wear the burnt orange. She was drafted by the Mystics after becoming the only player in DI women’s basketball history to record 1,600 points, 900 assists, and 350 steals. The talented guard was a two-time finalist for the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year award.
As the regular season continues, Harmon, Atkins, and Sutton will be players to watch. They also impressed during their college careers and are not easy to defend. Over the next few months, they will now get to focus on building their legacies and adding to their highlight reels.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Three former Lady Longhorns earn WNBA roster spots
Reporting by Jamie Gatlin, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
