Carla Leite joins Mersin for a new Turkish challenge

Carla Leite will leave France for Turkey after agreeing a two-year contract with CBK Mersin for the 2026-27 season. The move gives the 22-year-old France international her first experience in the Turkish league and adds EuroCup basketball to her next club campaign.

Leite arrives after playing for Zaragoza and the Portland Fire in the WNBA, where she was a starter and led the franchise in scoring and assists. She averaged 15.8 points, 6.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 26 minutes per game, shooting 45.1% from the field. The 1.75-metre guard previously played for Tarbes and Villeneuve-d’Ascq, winning the EuroCup with the French club in 2025.

Mersin are the reigning EuroCup holders after beating Lattes Montpellier in the semi-finals last season. The club also reached the Turkish championship final before losing to Fenerbahce, who have won the title eight consecutive times. Mersin’s recent French players include Marine Fauthoux and Marine Johannes, who were at the club in 2024-25.

Before beginning her Turkish adventure, Leite will join France’s preparations for the World Cup in Berlin from September 4 to 13. The national team, coached by Jean-Aimé Toupane, will face Italy in closed-door friendlies on August 27 and 28.