Minnesota Lynx Sign Center Maria Kliundikova Ahead of Game

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Minnesota Lynx announced today they have signed 26-year-old center Maria Kliundikova.

Kliundikova has been a standout player in Europe, having played for UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Premier Basketball League since the 2022-23 season. This past season, the 6-foot-4 center averaged 11.2 points and 7.5 rebounds over 36 games, shooting 52.3% from the field and earning the title of MVP in the Premier League Playoffs.

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft, Kliundikova played two seasons with the Sparks, where she averaged 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds across 40 games. Her career-high of 24 points came in a game against Las Vegas on May 26, 2019.

In addition to her club success, Kliundikova has won multiple EuroLeague Championships, taking home titles with Dynamo Kursk in 2017 and with UMMC Ekaterinburg in 2019 and 2021. She also gained international recognition as the MVP of the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup, where she averaged 18.4 points and 14 rebounds to help Russia secure the gold medal.

The Lynx are currently undefeated at 8-0 this season, with their next matchup scheduled against the Dallas Wings on Sunday, June 8, at 3:00 p.m. CT. Fans can catch the game on KARE 11 and listen via KFAN 100.3 FM and the Lynx app.