The Connecticut Sun have confirmed that basketball player Olivia Nelson-Ododa has committed to the franchise for another two seasons.
She is widely celebrated in Kenya due to her heritage, with her father, Sebastian Ododa, having played for the Kenyan national team. She was born in Michigan and has represented the United States in international competitions.
“Bringing Liv back to Connecticut is a meaningful step for our organisation. We’ve seen her grow in impactful ways, and we truly believe she’s just scratching the surface of her potential in this league. Her approach, competitiveness, and the way she fits within our team identity make her an important part of our future. Liv has embraced this team, this community, and the standard we’re building, and we’re proud that she’s continuing her journey with the Sun,” said General Manager Morgan Tuck in accordance with the outlet.
Nelson-Ododa began her professional career after being drafted 19th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. About a year later, she was traded to the Connecticut Sun.
The 6-foot-5 centre has since become a key rotational player, featuring in more than 110 games. She averages about 16 minutes per game and is known for her defensive presence and rebounding.
According to the WNBA, outside the American season, she has also played overseas in China for Wuhan Sheng Fan, where she averaged 17 points, 8.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.3 steals per game.
Before turning professional, Nelson-Ododa was a standout at the University of Connecticut. She helped guide the team to multiple deep NCAA tournament runs, including Final Four appearances in 2019, 2021 and 2022, as well as a national championship game in 2022.
By graduation, she ranked among the program’s top shot-blockers, sitting sixth all-time. Her college honours included 2021 BIG EAST Co-Defensive Player of the Year, 2022 All-BIG EAST First Team, 2021 All-BIG EAST Second Team, 2021 BIG EAST All-Tournament Team, and 2020 American Athletic Conference Second Team.
She was consistently recognised in conference all-star selections and established herself as one of the programme’s most reliable defensive players before entering the WNBA.
The terms of her new contract were not disclosed in line with organisational policy. The Sun will begin their 2026 season on May 10, opening at home against the Seattle Storm at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Elsewhere, another Kenyan, Madina Okot, has joined the elite ranks of the WNBA after being selected by the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 Draft. The 6-foot-6 centre was picked 13th overall in the first round during the event held in New York City on April 13, drawing significant attention to Kenyan basketball.
For Okot, the moment marked a career milestone.
“I’m so excited to be here today. Just getting drafted, it’s a dream come true,” she said emotionally. “I’m going to compete against the greatest players I’ve been watching and looking up to growing up.”