Carla Leite Bio
Carla Leite (born 16 April 2004) is a French professional basketball player for the Golden State Valkyries of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for Casademont Zaragoza of the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto. She was selected ninth overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2024 WNBA draft. Known for her skills as a guard, Leite has quickly risen through the ranks of women’s basketball, showcasing her talent on both national and international stages.
Early Life and Background
Carla Leite was born in Poissy, Yvelines, France. Growing up, she was involved in various sports, including association football and tennis. At the age of nine, she tried basketball for the first time and began to take the sport seriously by the age of 13. Her early basketball journey began with the club ES Lorguaise, and she later moved to Draguignan UC, where she progressed rapidly through the youth teams.
At the age of 13, Leite relocated an hour away from her hometown to join the club Pôle d’Antibes. This move allowed her to develop her skills further and gain valuable experience. In 2019, she began attending the Tony Parker Academy, where she played for the junior team of Lyon ASVEL. During her time at the academy, she gained recognition for her performance, particularly after scoring 27 points in the finals of the 2022 U18 French Cup, despite her team’s loss.
Path to Basketball
Following her impressive performance in the French Cup, Carla Leite signed her first professional contract at the age of 18 with Tarbes in the Ligue Féminine de Basketball (LFB), the premier women’s league in France. In her debut season (2022–23), she averaged 11.8 points and 2.9 assists per game, earning the title of the league’s best young player. Her second season saw her improve significantly, averaging 15.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game, which led to her selection for the league all-star team.
In June 2024, Leite signed with Villeneuve d’Ascq, where she continued to excel. She played a crucial role in leading her team to victory in the 2024-25 EuroCup, earning the Finals MVP title after averaging 20.5 points, 6.0 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game throughout the tournament. This success solidified her reputation as a rising star in women’s basketball.
Carla Leite Career
Early Career (2022–2024)
Carla Leite began her professional career with Tarbes in 2022. Her performance in the 2022–23 season was noteworthy, as she quickly became one of the standout players in the league. She was recognized for her talent and hard work, receiving accolades that highlighted her potential as a future star.
After her impressive run with Tarbes, Leite transitioned to Villeneuve d’Ascq in 2024. Her contributions to the team were significant, culminating in a championship win in the EuroCup and earning her the Finals MVP award. This period marked a pivotal point in her career, showcasing her ability to perform at high levels in crucial games.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Carla Leite’s breakthrough came when she was selected in the first round of the 2024 WNBA draft by the Dallas Wings as the ninth overall pick. Although she chose to remain in Europe for the 2024 season, her future in the WNBA was secured. On December 6, 2024, she was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft. She signed a rookie scale contract with the team on February 21, 2025.
Leite made her WNBA debut on May 16, 2025, in the franchise’s first-ever game against the Los Angeles Sparks, where she scored 2 points in 11 minutes off the bench. She quickly made an impact, contributing 10 points in the team’s first victory against the Washington Mystics just days later. On May 23, she achieved a career-high of 19 points in a win over the Sparks, further establishing her presence in the league. By June 14, she made her first career start, scoring 14 points in a win against the Seattle Storm.
Notable Works and Milestones
Carla Leite’s signature achievements include being named the EuroCup Women champion and the Finals MVP in 2025. Her rapid ascent in professional basketball, marked by her performances in both the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto and the WNBA, has made her a player to watch in the coming years.
Carla Leite Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Carla Leite has received several nominations and accolades, particularly for her performances in the Liga Femenina de Baloncesto. Her recognition as the league’s best young player and her selection for the all-star team highlight her impact on the sport at a young age.
Carla Leite Awards Won
Carla Leite has achieved notable success early in her career, including being named the EuroCup Women champion and the Finals MVP in 2025. These awards reflect her talent and contributions to her teams.
Carla Leite Family
Information regarding Carla Leite’s family is not publicly available. Details about her parents or siblings have not been disclosed.
Personal Life
Carla Leite maintains a low profile regarding her personal life. There are no publicly available details about her relationships or marital status.