Porirua basketball fans will get six chances to watch WNBA guard Charlisse Leger-Walker at Te Rauparaha Arena this season, beginning with the Tokomanawa Queens’ opening game on Sunday.
The Queens begin their 2026 Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa campaign against the Northern Kāhu at 3pm on 27 September.
Leger-Walker is due to join the Queens after completing her rookie WNBA season with the Connecticut Sun, bringing one of New Zealand basketball’s highest-profile players to Porirua for the domestic season.
The Tall Ferns guard will also line up alongside her older sister Krystal Leger-Walker as part of a 13-player Queens roster featuring a strong mix of New Zealand and international players.
Leger-Walker completed her college career with UCLA before being selected by Connecticut with the 18th pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
She has averaged 7.2 points, 3.7 assists and 2.4 rebounds during her rookie season with the Sun.
Basketball New Zealand chief executive Belinda Edwards said Leger-Walker’s return was significant for the domestic competition.
“Having Charlisse playing in Tauihi is hugely exciting for the competition and for basketball fans around New Zealand,” Edwards said.
“She has competed at the highest levels of the game, and now our fans will have the opportunity to watch her here at home.”
The Queens will play six regular-season home games at Te Rauparaha Arena.
After Sunday’s opener against the Kāhu, they host Mainland Pouākai on 4 October, Tauranga Whai on 16 October, Southern Hoiho on 1 November, Whai again on 15 November and Hoiho on 22 November.
Leger-Walker’s decision to join the Queens will also give her the opportunity to play professionally alongside her sister in New Zealand.
The Queens roster includes Tall Ferns Penina Davidson and Stella Beck, along with Briarley Rogers, Grace Hunter and Nahala Toeleiu.
The wider Tauihi season begins on Friday, 25 September, when defending champions Tauranga Whai host Northern Kāhu.
The 30-game regular season runs across 10 rounds and finishes on 29 November. The semifinals will be played on 5 and 6 December, with the championship game on 13 December.
Every Tauihi game will be shown live on Sky Sport in New Zealand.
For Porirua supporters, Leger-Walker is expected to take the court for the Queens when their season begins against the Kāhu at Te Rauparaha Arena on Sunday afternoon.
