Family Ties: WNBA Players With Athlete Family Members in Other Sports Leagues

With the increase in viewership and popularity of the WNBA, many people are recognizing family names during broadcasts, or on social media. Many times people hear a name and think to themselves “I wonder if they’re related to…” so I put together this article to identify all of the active WNBA players who have fellow athlete family ties to other sports leagues (retired and non-active players will be listed at the bottom) !

Kalani Brown -

Kalani Brown (Phoenix Mercury) is the daughter of former NBA player, PJ Brown! Kalani’s mom, Dejuana Jackson, played basketball for Kim Mulkey at Louisiana Tech.

Dijonai Carrington -

Dijonai Carrington (Dallas Wings) is the daughter of former NFL safety, Darren Carrington. Her brother, Darren Carrington II, currently plays wide receiver for the Massachusetts Pirates, an IFL football team.

Lexie Brown -

Lexie Brown (Seattle Storm) is the daughter of Dee Brown, a former NBA player.

Diamond DeShields -

Diamond DeShields (Connecticut Sun) is the sister of current MLB player, DeLino DeShields, Jr. Their father, DeLino DeShields, Sr. also played in the MLB!

Arike Ogunbowale -

Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas Wings) is the sister of NFL running back, Dare Ogunbowale!

Nia Coffey -

Nia Coffey (Atlanta Dream) is the sister of current NBA star, Amir Coffey! Their dad, Richard Coffey, also played in the NBA.

Kia Nurse -

Kia Nurse (Chicago Sky) is the sister of NHL player, Darnell Nurse. Their father, Richard Nurse, played in the CFL and she is also the niece of retired NFL star, Donovan McNabb, who is married to her paternal aunt. Her cousin, Sarah Nurse, also plays in the PWHL. Sister, Tamika Nurse, also played collegiate basketball at Oregon!

Isabelle Harrison -

Isabelle Harrison (New York Liberty) is the daughter of former NFL player, Dennis Harrison Jr. Previously, many people incorrectly believed Isabelle to be the daughter of Dallas Mavericks GM, Nico Harrison.

Elizabeth Williams -

Elizabeth Williams (Chicago Sky) is the older sister of current NBA player, Mark Williams.

Katie Lou & Karlie Samuelson -

Katie Lou Samuelson (Seattle Storm) & Karlie Samuelson (Washington Mystics) are the daughters of former EuroLeague hooper, Jon Samuelson.

Alissa Pili -

Alissa Pili (Minnesota Lynx) is the sister of NFL nose tackle, Brandon Pili.

Myisha Hines-Allen -

Myisha Hines-Allen (Dallas Wings) is the sister of NFL defensive end, Josh Hines-Allen.

Angel Reese -

Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) is the sister of NCAA men’s basketball player, Julian Reese.

Sabrina Ionescu -

Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty) is the wife of NFL offensive lineman, Hroniss Grasu.

Retired and non-active players with family ties to other leagues…

Kysre Gondrezick -

Kysre Gondrezick (most recently: Chicago Sky) is the daughter of late former NBA player, Grant Gondrezick. Her mother, Lisa Harvey, won a championship at Louisiana Tech.

Lauren Jackson -

Lauren Jackson (retired: Seattle Storm) is the daughter of Gary Jackson and Maree (Bennie) Jackson, who both played for Australia’s national basketball teams.

Candace Parker -

Candace Parker (retired: Las Vegas Aces) is the sister of former NBA player, Anthony Parker.

Rhonda Smith -

Rhonda Smith (retired: Sacramento Monarchs) is the mother of current NBA star, Paolo Banchero.

Niele Ivey -

Niele Ivey (retired: Detroit Shock) is the mother of current NBA star, Jaden Ivey.

Cheryl Ford -

Cheryl Ford (retired: Detroit Shock) is the daughter of former NBA star, Karl Malone.

Mfon Udoka -

Mfon Udoka (retired: Los Angeles Sparks) is the older sister of retired NBA player and current NBA coach, Ime Udoka.

Imani McGee-Stafford -

Imani McGee-Stafford (retired: Dallas Wings) is the daughter of former WNBA star, Pamela McGee, and half-sister of former NBA star, JaVale McGee.

Tamika Catchings -

Tamika Catchings (retired: Indiana Fever) is the daughter of former NBA player, Harvey Catchings.