French star joins the UC Capitals
UC Capitals have signed French forward and former Phoenix Mercury player Kadi Sissoko for WNBL 2025/26.
Sissoko began her playing career in France playing for the South Basket Landes in 2017. The 6’2” forward then went on to play in the NCAA from 2018 to 2023, playing for Syracuse, Minnesota and USC.
In her final season of college, Sissoko dominated for USC and was named to the All-Pac-12 Team alongside LA Sparks superstar Cameron Brinks.
With a standout college finish, WNBA scouts locked in on the then 24-year-old, eventually being drafted 29th overall in the 2023 WNBA Draft, joining the Phoenix Mercury.
During her 2023 season, Sissoko played all 40 regular-season games, averaging 8.4 minutes, 1.5 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the prestigious franchise.
She has spent the past two seasons playing in Europe, most recently for the Turkish OGM Ormanspor and the French ESB Villeneuve d’Ascq, averaging 3.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
While the stats do not jump off the page, Sissoko’s athleticism, rangy arms and interior scoring will be major additions to the Capitals’ success next season.
Capitals head coach Paul Goriss explained what the dynamic forward can add to his team.
“Our coaching staff were in awe of Kadi’s size, athleticism, unique skillset and how hard she plays,” she said.
“I believe her game will translate to how we want to play. Her ability to defend multiple positions will allow us to be creative with our lineup combinations.”
Sissoko said she is excited to showcase her game against elite competition in front of a new audience.
“I’ve never been afraid to step out of my comfort zone and experience basketball in different countries, and I know that the WNBL is very competitive, and I think it will be good for my development as a player,” she said.
“Fans can expect to see an aggressive player on both ends of the court. I’m a versatile player who can guard multiple positions. I love to get out in transition and finish at the basket, but I can also step out on the perimeter and hit a jumpshot.”
Sissoko credits honest conversations with Goriss and her relationship with recently signed Capitals forward Zitina Aokuso, as key factors in her decision to play for the Capitals.
“Coach and I spoke and I appreciated his honesty about what his plans are, how he envisions my role on the team would be, and how I can help the team win,” she said.
“Zitina and I got along well (in Turkey) so it was important for me to have her input to see if this was the right fit for me. I was able to catch a couple WNBL games last season, and we talked about Australia and Canberra, and it was helpful in this process.”
Sissoko joins Monique Bobongie, Jayda Clark, Jade Melbourne, Nyadiew Puoch, Sara Blicavs and Aokuso on the 2025/26 roster.
Follow all the latest WNBL moves via the Roster Tracker here.