McKenzie Forbes Bio
McKenzie Forbes (born June 23, 2000) is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent. A versatile shooting guard and small forward, she stands 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) tall and weighs 174 lb (79 kg). Forbes was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA draft and has since competed in leagues in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Forbes developed into one of the top high school prospects in the country before beginning a college career that spanned three programs. After finishing her collegiate eligibility at USC, she launched a professional journey that has included stints in the NBL1 South, Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa, and Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball.
Early Life and Background
McKenzie Forbes was born on June 23, 2000, in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in the Sacramento area and attended Folsom High School in Folsom, California, where she emerged as a standout basketball talent. Her height, court vision, and scoring instincts made her one of the most recruited guards in her class.
In 2018, Forbes was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American, an honor given to the top high school basketball players in the United States. That recognition cemented her status as a top-tier prospect and set the stage for her entry into the collegiate ranks. She was widely regarded as a polished scoring wing with the ability to play multiple perimeter positions.
Path to Basketball
Forbes began her college basketball career with the California Golden Bears during the 2018–19 season. Following her freshman year, she transferred to Harvard, where she intended to continue her development with the Crimson. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced the cancellation of the 2020–21 season, limiting her early opportunities at the program.
Once she returned to the court at Harvard, Forbes blossomed into a featured contributor. During her junior year with the Crimson, she averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, demonstrating the all-around skill set that had marked her as a top recruit. After graduating from Harvard and becoming ineligible to continue playing for the Crimson, she transferred to USC for the 2023–24 season, where she would close out her collegiate career on one of the nation’s biggest stages.
McKenzie Forbes Career
Early Career (2018–2020)
Forbes spent her earliest college season at California, adjusting to the speed and physicality of Division I basketball. While her freshman year provided limited statistical opportunities, it gave her a foundation for the next stage of her career. Her decision to transfer to Harvard reflected a desire to find a program where she could grow as a primary option.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the 2020–21 season, leaving Forbes without a competitive schedule during a critical developmental year. When play resumed, she quickly established herself as a leading scorer and playmaker, producing the kind of all-purpose line that highlighted her efficiency and basketball IQ.
Harvard and USC Breakthrough (2021–2024)
At Harvard, Forbes developed into a complete perimeter player. Her junior averages of 14.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game showed that she could impact the game on both ends of the floor. Her ability to shoot from the perimeter, attack closeouts, and create for teammates drew the attention of top-tier programs.
After transferring to USC for the 2023–24 season, Forbes enjoyed the most decorated campaign of her career. She was named All Pac-12 and earned Pac-12 Tournament MVP honors, leading the Trojans through a strong postseason run. Her performances cemented her reputation as a clutch, high-volume scorer and helped elevate her draft stock heading into the WNBA cycle.
Los Angeles Sparks Era (2024)
Forbes was selected in the third round as the 28th overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA draft. Her selection represented a return to her home state and an opportunity to compete for a roster spot with a franchise that had a long history of developing perimeter talent. The draft moment capped a long journey from a top-ranked high school recruit to a professional.
Her time with the Sparks, however, was brief. On May 12, 2024, Forbes was waived by Los Angeles, ending her first WNBA stint. The release did not slow her professional trajectory, as opportunities quickly emerged overseas and across alternative professional circuits.
Driving Style and Strengths
Forbes is best known for her scoring versatility and perimeter skill set. She thrives as a movement shooter, can finish at the rim against contact, and has the size to defend multiple positions. Her ability to create her own shot and distribute from the wing allows coaches to use her in a variety of lineups, while her rebounding numbers for a guard reflect a strong nose for the ball.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Forbes’ young professional career came on November 24, 2024, when she scored a league-record 39 points in a 97–89 win over the Tokomanawa Queens while playing for the Mainland Pouākai in Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa. The performance underlined her scoring ceiling and marked her as one of the most explosive perimeter players in the league that season.
McKenzie Forbes Career Wins
Although Forbes has yet to secure a WNBA championship, she has built an impressive early resume across multiple professional leagues. She helped the Waverley Falcons win the NBL1 South championship in 2024 and has delivered several record-setting individual performances in international competition.
NBL1 South Highlights
Forbes joined the Waverley Falcons of the NBL1 South for the 2024 season and quickly became a key contributor. In 16 games, she averaged 16.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.3 steals in 27.8 minutes per game, helping the Falcons capture the NBL1 South championship. Her production on both ends of the floor made her one of the standout imports of the season.
Other Wins and Performances
In New Zealand, Forbes joined the Mainland Pouākai of Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa and continued her strong play. Across 13 games, she averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 34.1 minutes per game. She also competed in the 2025 Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball season, further expanding her professional portfolio.
McKenzie Forbes Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public information about McKenzie Forbes’ immediate family and upbringing remains limited. She grew up in the greater Los Angeles area and attended Folsom High School, where she became one of the top basketball recruits in the country.
Personal Life
Forbes has kept most of her personal life out of the public eye. There are no publicly verified details about a spouse, partner, or children. She continues to focus on her professional basketball career across multiple international leagues.
2025 Season Performance
Forbes began 2025 by playing in the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball season, where she continued to showcase her scoring ability and perimeter versatility. The Athletes Unlimited circuit gave her a platform to stay sharp and accumulate experience in a high-level professional environment.
On February 28, 2025, Forbes signed a training camp contract with the Dallas Wings, giving her another opportunity to earn a roster spot in the WNBA. She competed with the Wings through the preseason but was ultimately waived on May 3, 2025. Her brief tenure in Dallas reflected the highly competitive nature of WNBA roster battles.
Heading into the remainder of 2025, Forbes remains a free agent and continues to pursue opportunities to return to the WNBA while building her international resume. Her combination of size, scoring, and proven production in Australia and New Zealand makes her an attractive option for clubs seeking an experienced perimeter scorer.