Bria Hartley Makes WNBA Return with Statement Game for the Sun
Bria Hartley’s return to the WNBA isn’t just a comeback story — it’s a statement.
Signed by the Connecticut Sun just days before the 2024 season tipped off, the 32-year-old guard wasted no time reminding fans and front offices what she’s capable of. In her first WNBA game since 2022, Hartley dropped 11 points with a team-high 75% efficiency from the field, adding four rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 19 minutes of action on Sunday versus the Washington Mystics.
She was perfect from beyond the 3-point line (2-for-2) and didn’t miss from the charity stripe either (3-for-3). She finished as one of the Sun’s top five scorers in a tight 90–85 loss.
Hartley is a nine-year WNBA veteran with stops across five franchises, but before Sunday, she hadn’t seen action in the W since an ACL injury in July 2022. Since then, she’s spent time overseas and most recently made waves in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball, where she posted a 10th-place leaderboard finish in her debut season.
She was a fiery offensive threat in AU Pro Basketball Season 4, averaging 15.1 points per game and racking up 181 points over 12 appearances. She also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists per outing in Music City.
Now officially back on a WNBA roster, Hartley is proving she’s not just here to fill a spot. She’s here to contribute. And if opening weekend is any indication, the Sun made a smart last-second move by bringing her in.
Hartley’s next outing with the Sun is slated for Tuesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. ET versus the Las Vegas Aces.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
