MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Lynx have officially signed center Maria Kliundikova, adding depth to their frontcourt rotation. Per team policy, the terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Maria Kliundikova’s Career & Impact
Kliundikova, 26, has played alongside Lynx rookie Anastasiia Olairi Kosu since 2022-23, competing with UMMC Ekaterinburg in the Russian Premier Basketball League. During the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-4 center averaged 11.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, shooting 52.3% from the field and 84.1% from the free-throw line across 36 games played. Her stellar performance earned her MVP honors in the Premier League Playoffs.
Originally selected 11th overall in the 2018 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, Kliundikova played two seasons in Los Angeles (2018-2019), averaging 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 50.6% from the field in 40 appearances. She set a career-high with 24 points, five rebounds, three blocks, and two steals in a game against Las Vegas on May 26, 2019.
International Accomplishments
Kliundikova (formerly Vadeeva) is a proven champion, winning the EuroLeague title with Dynamo Kursk in 2017 and UMMC Ekaterinburg in 2019 and 2021. She also played a pivotal role in Russia’s gold medal run at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup, where she was named Tournament MVP, averaging 18.4 points and 14.0 rebounds across seven starts.
Kliundikova’s addition bolsters the Lynx’s interior presence, bringing international experience, scoring efficiency, and strong rebounding to the lineup.
