Chicago Sky News: Kamilla Cardoso Makes Long 7,052-Mile Trip for Offseason Basketball Team Commitments

The Chicago Sky’s season may have ended early, but that doesn’t mean Kamilla Cardoso is ready for a break. The 6-foot-7 center is gearing up for yet another thrilling basketball season, this time taking her skills across the globe. Cardoso just wrapped up her 2024 WNBA season, and after spending some time with family in her native Brazil, she’s on to new adventures. 

The former South Carolina Gamecocks star is heading to China, 7052 miles away, to play in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). The 23-year-old was recently spotted at the airport, leaving Brazil. She looked all set for action with her new team, the Shanghai Swordfish. It’ll be her first time in the Chinese league, and while the details of her contract remain under wraps, it’s expected that she’ll make an upgrade in her paycheck. 

All we know is that it’s definitely higher than her current WNBA salary. This year, she signed a four-year deal worth $338,056 with the Sky, averaging about $84,514 annually. Now, with other WNBA stars like Brittney Griner and Liz Cambage having previously played in the WCBA and reportedly earning impressive salaries, Cardoso might be on track for a big payday as well.

Moreover, Las Vegas Aces star Tiffany Hayes played on the same team as her in the past season of the WCBA. With the WCBA’s popularity among top WNBA stars, it’s no wonder we see more names heading east. As for the 23-year-old’s upcoming games, the season tips off soon. With her talent, she could be the missing piece for the Swordfish. 

Kamilla Cardoso: From WNBA Rookie to International Star

Kamilla Cardoso’s first season with the Chicago Sky saw its fair share of highs and lows. After being picked third overall in the WNBA draft, expectations were high. In the 32 games she played, she averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, which are pretty solid numbers for a rookie, showcasing her strong defense. However, this might not tell the whole story.

The 2024 NCAA Champion came into the WNBA with a lot of experience. After all, she had been a standout player in college basketball with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Before joining the Gamecocks, she played her freshman season at Syracuse, and she was one of the most sought-after prospects for a reason. During her time with South Carolina, she worked with the best, including coach Dawn Staley.

And let’s not forget her international career. The Brazilian basketball player has also represented Brazil at various levels, including the FIBA South American Women’s Championship in Argentina in 2022, where she helped her team win Gold. She even squared off against the USA in the FIBA AmeriCup semi-finals. 

Though Brazil lost, the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team star proved her talent and grabbed ten rebounds, eight of which were on defense. It all added up to make her a strong contender for a successful WNBA career. Now, as she moves to WCBA, her experiences in the WNBA will surely help her adapt to the new challenges.