Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot officially made history after playing her first-ever Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) game for the Atlanta Dream in a thrilling victory over the Minnesota Lynx.
The highly anticipated debut took place on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, marking a major milestone not only for Okot’s career but also for Kenyan basketball.
Okot came off the bench and delivered an impressive performance in limited minutes, scoring eight points, grabbing four rebounds and recording one steal as Atlanta completed a dramatic comeback to edge Minnesota 91-90.
The game itself turned into a memorable contest after the Dream fought back from a 19-point halftime deficit to snatch victory late in the fourth quarter. Guard Te-Hina Paopao sealed the win with a clutch jumper in the final seconds, giving Atlanta its first lead of the night.
Madina Okot has become one of Kenya’s most inspiring sports stories in recent years.
Born in Mumias, the towering center only started playing basketball a few years ago after initially focusing on volleyball during her high school days. Her remarkable athleticism and quick development soon attracted attention locally and internationally, eventually earning her opportunities in the United States college basketball system.
Before turning professional, Okot starred for both Mississippi State Bulldogs and later South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA.
During her college career, she established herself as one of the top rebounders in women’s college basketball, averaging impressive numbers while helping South Carolina reach the NCAA Championship final.
Her performances caught the attention of WNBA scouts, leading to the Atlanta Dream selecting her with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
The selection itself was historic, as Okot became one of the highest-drafted Kenyan-born players in WNBA history and a major symbol of the growing global influence of African basketball talent.
Following her draft selection, Okot impressed coaches during preseason matches, strengthening her chances of making Atlanta’s final roster.
In preseason action, she averaged strong numbers and even registered a double-double performance that drew praise from fans and analysts alike.
Her strong displays ultimately earned her a place in the Dream’s official squad for the 2026 season.
President William Ruto was among leaders who previously congratulated the young athlete after her WNBA draft selection, describing her journey as inspirational for young Kenyan athletes.
