History of Kahleah Copper in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

Kahleah Copper is a standout professional basketball player in the WNBA, renowned for her elite scoring ability, athleticism, and tenacity on both ends of the court. Drafted seventh overall in 2016, she rose to national prominence with the Chicago Sky, where she played a pivotal role in their 2021 WNBA Championship run, earning the Finals MVP award. Known for her transition scoring and mid-range game, Copper has consistently been one of the league's most dangerous offensive threats. Now playing for the Phoenix Mercury, she remains a multi-time WNBA All-Star and a key figure in the international basketball scene. Beyond the WNBA, she has represented the United States at the Olympic level, further cementing her status as one of the premier perimeter players in the world today.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

August 28, 1994: Birth of Kahleah Copper

On August 28, 1994, professional basketball player Kahleah Copper was born.

Others born on this day/year

2012: Start of Rutgers Basketball Career

In 2012, Kahleah Copper began her collegiate basketball career playing for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, where she would compete until 2016.

2016: WNBA Draft Selection

In 2016, Kahleah Copper began her professional basketball career when she was selected as the seventh overall pick by the Washington Mystics during the WNBA draft.

2016: WNBA Draft and Rookie Season

In 2016, Kahleah Copper began her professional basketball journey after being selected as the 7th overall pick by the Washington Mystics, where she served as a bench player averaging 16.2 minutes and 6.2 points per game.

2016: Conclusion of Rutgers Collegiate Career

In 2016, Kahleah Copper concluded her time with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, finishing her tenure as the player with the third-most points in the team's history at 1,872.

2017: Trade to the Chicago Sky

As part of a significant trade deal in 2017, Kahleah Copper was moved from the Washington Mystics to the Chicago Sky alongside Stefanie Dolson and a 2017 draft pick in exchange for Elena Delle Donne.

2020: Breakout Season with the Chicago Sky

During the 2020 WNBA season, which took place in a quarantined "bubble" environment necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kahleah Copper was re-signed by the Chicago Sky. She earned a promotion to a starting position and demonstrated her growth by leading the entire team in scoring with an average of 14.8 points per game throughout the 2020 season.

2020: Beginning of Assistant Coaching Tenure

In 2020, Kahleah Copper began her professional development role by serving as an assistant coach for the Purdue University Northwest women's basketball team during the WNBA offseason.

2020: Transition to Starting Role

In 2020, Kahleah Copper transitioned from her role as a bench player to become a starter for the Chicago Sky, marking a significant advancement in her professional career.

2021: Conclusion of Assistant Coaching Tenure

By 2021, Kahleah Copper concluded her stint as an assistant coach for the Purdue University Northwest women's basketball team, having served in the position during the period between the 2020 and 2021 WNBA seasons.

2021: WNBA All-Star and Finals MVP

During 2021, Copper achieved breakout success by earning her first WNBA All-Star selection, leading the Chicago Sky through the playoffs, and receiving the WNBA Finals MVP award after the team secured their first franchise championship.

2021: Breakout Season, All-Star Selection, and Finals MVP

During the 2021 season, Kahleah Copper established herself as a core starter, earning her first All-Star selection. She maintained an average of 14.4 points per game during the regular season and elevated her performance in the postseason to 17.7 points per game. Ultimately, she led the Chicago Sky to their first-ever championship title in 2021 and was honored with the Finals MVP award.

2021: Beginning of Season with Perfumerias Avenida

In 2021, Kahleah Copper began playing for Perfumerias Avenida, competing in both the Spanish League and the Euroleague.

September 2022: Named to 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup USA Team

In September 2022, Kahleah Copper was selected for the USA international basketball team to compete in the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, where she helped lead the team to an undefeated record and a gold medal victory.

2022: 2022 WNBA Season Performance

During the 2022 WNBA season, Kahleah Copper earned another All-Star selection and helped lead the Chicago Sky to the postseason, where the team ultimately fell in a five-game semifinal series.

2022: Double MVP Honors

In 2022, Kahleah Copper was recognized for her exceptional performance by being named the MVP of both the Spanish League and the Euroleague following her 2021–2022 season run.

February 6, 2024: Trade to Phoenix Mercury

On February 6, 2024, Kahleah Copper was officially traded to the Phoenix Mercury along with the rights to Morgan Bertsch in a multi-player and draft pick exchange involving Michaela Onyenwere and Brianna Turner.

June 2024: Selection to 2024 U.S. Olympic Women's Basketball Team and Gold Medal Win

In June 2024, Kahleah Copper was officially named to the United States women's Olympic basketball team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. During the competition, she helped lead the U.S. team to a narrow 67–66 victory over France in the final match, securing her first career Olympic gold medal and contributing to the United States' streak of eight consecutive gold medals.

July 17, 2024: Announcement of participation in Unrivaled league

On July 17, 2024, it was officially announced that Kahleah Copper would participate in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league established by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. As part of this competition, she joined the team Rose BC and subsequently helped them secure the league's first-ever championship title.

2024: Olympic Gold Medal Victory

In 2024, Kahleah Copper achieved a significant career milestone by winning an Olympic Gold medal while representing her country at the Summer Olympics held in Paris, France.

2025: Conclusion of the 2025 WNBA Season

As of the year 2025, all statistical data regarding Kahleah Copper's professional basketball career has been compiled and updated through the conclusion of the 2025 season.