SKYLAR VANN TAKES HER TALENT TO EUROPE: OKLAHOMA STAR SIGNS WITH SPANISH POWERHOUSE AFTER WNBA SNUB
SKYLAR VANN TAKES HER TALENT TO EUROPE: OKLAHOMA STAR SIGNS WITH SPANISH POWERHOUSE AFTER WNBA SNUB
SKYLAR VANN TAKES HER TALENT TO EUROPE: OKLAHOMA STAR SIGNS WITH SPANISH POWERHOUSE AFTER WNBA SNUB
By [sky sport] | April 23, 2025
A Bold New Chapter Begins in Europe
Skylar Vann, one of the most decorated players in recent Oklahoma women’s basketball history, has officially announced her commitment to Spanish club Valencia Basket, marking the beginning of her professional basketball journey overseas. After going undrafted in the 2025 WNBA Draft and receiving no training camp invitations, Vann made the bold move to take control of her destiny—signing a multi-year contract with the top-tier EuroLeague Women’s side.
In an exclusive interview, the former Sooner opened up about the emotional decision, her goals abroad, and her ultimate dream to return to the U.S. as a professional basketball player.
Waiting for the Call That Never Came
For months, Vann kept hope alive.
“I was glued to my phone after the draft,” she shared. “I was ready. I worked for this. I believed I had done enough to at least get a shot.”
Despite her accolades—including Big 12 Co-Player of the Year honors in 2024 and a strong run to the NCAA Sweet 16—no WNBA franchise extended an invitation to join training camp. For Vann, the silence was deafening.
“There’s no shame in being disappointed,” she said. “But I wasn’t going to sit around forever waiting for a call that might never come. It was time to move.”
Valencia Basket: A Prestigious Landing Spot
After weighing several options across Europe, Vann settled on Valencia Basket, a perennial powerhouse in both the Liga Femenina Endesa and the EuroLeague Women. The team boasts a deep history, a vibrant fan base, and a culture of nurturing American talent.
“Valencia was the right fit,” Vann explained. “They believe in developing complete players. I’ll be challenged here, and I’ll grow here.”
Sources close to the club confirm that Vann’s contract includes an NBA-out clause, allowing her to return to the U.S. should a WNBA opportunity arise in the future. Until then, she’ll suit up in Spain’s top league, competing against some of the best talent in the world.
Reflections on Her Journey at Oklahoma
As she prepares for life in Europe, Vann took time to reflect on her storied journey with the Oklahoma Sooners.
“Those five years changed my life,” she said. “I came in as a young, raw player and left as a leader. I’ll forever be proud to wear the crimson and cream.”
Vann leaves OU as one of the most decorated players in recent memory. Her impact was felt far beyond the stat sheet—whether it was clutch performances during tournament runs, or her unwavering leadership in the locker room.
“I’m grateful for Coach Baranczyk, my teammates, and Sooner Nation,” she added. “They believed in me even before I believed in myself.”
From Disappointment to Determination: Fueling the Fire
Many athletes would have folded under the weight of unmet expectations. But for Vann, the WNBA snub became fuel.
“I won’t lie—it hurt. I dreamed about hearing my name called,” she admitted. “But you can either let that define you, or you can redefine yourself.”
Vann chose the latter.
With a chip on her shoulder and a renewed sense of purpose, she views this move to Europe not as a detour, but as a launchpad.
“I want to dominate here. I want to show the world what I’m capable of,” she said with steely resolve. “And when that WNBA call finally comes, I’ll be more than ready.”
A Growing Trend Among NCAA Stars
Vann’s move to Europe continues a growing trend of talented American college players bypassing the WNBA—by choice or necessity—and carving out successful careers overseas.
From Allisha Gray in Turkey to Jordin Canada’s stint in Italy, the European basketball scene has become a haven for players who crave both competition and development.
“Basketball is global,” Vann said. “And sometimes, your path to greatness has to go through places you didn’t expect.”
What Lies Ahead
Skylar Vann is expected to join Valencia Basket for pre-season training in late May. The team has confirmed that she will wear the number 24—a tribute to her late idol, Kobe Bryant.
Fans in Spain are already buzzing with anticipation.
“She brings intensity, toughness, and elegance to the game,” said Valencia head coach Rubén Burgos. “We’re thrilled to welcome Skylar to the family.”
Vann’s signing is viewed as a major coup for Valencia, who are looking to make another deep run in both the domestic and European stages. With her two-way abilities, rebounding prowess, and defensive grit, Vann is expected to slot into a pivotal role almost immediately.
A Message to Her Supporters
Before boarding her flight to Spain, Vann shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram account:
“To everyone who believed in me—thank you. To those who doubted me—keep watching. This is just the beginning.”
The Legacy of a Fighter
Skylar Vann’s journey is far from over. It’s simply taken a detour—one paved not with regret, but with resilience. Whether she returns to the WNBA in the future or becomes a European legend, one thing is certain:
Skylar Vann is not done writing her story.
And the next chapter? It starts in Spain.
