Te’a Cooper, the well-known point guard, has recently announced her plans to make a return to professional basketball. She shared this exciting news during an Instagram Live session on July 24 and provided exclusive details to Rolling Out.
Cooper is set to join Athletes Unlimited (AU) next year, a professional women’s basketball league that features 44 of the best female players. AU allows these athletes to play year-round and remain in the U.S. during the offseason, offering a platform for both active and sidelined players to demonstrate their skills. Cooper, who was waived by the Los Angeles Sparks in May 2022, is eager for this new opportunity. Derek Fisher, the former general manager and coach of the Sparks, mentioned that Cooper was passed over in favor of other guards due to shooting considerations.
Despite being waived, Cooper has stayed busy with various brand engagements, including her involvement in Meta’s “It’s Your World” campaign. This campaign celebrates the positive impacts people achieve using Meta’s technology. As part of this initiative, Cooper engaged in a conversation with Coi Leray, discussing their experiences as trendsetters. Cooper recently spoke to Rolling Out about her involvement in this campaign and her future plans.
When asked about her collaboration with Coi Leray for the Meta campaign, Cooper explained that they combined their respective worlds for Leray’s new music video, which featured a comic book theme. They discussed how Leray has transcended boundaries in her career and how Cooper has similarly carved out her own path.
Cooper has also been exploring media opportunities, taking on hosting roles in various settings. She mentioned enjoying her recent hosting gigs, such as a sit-down with Coi Leray and an appearance on WSLAM with Deja Kelly. Media work comes naturally to her, and she finds it fulfilling and enjoyable. She also mentioned a recent project with Essence that she found particularly fun.
Regarding her basketball career, Cooper confirmed her intention to play with AU next year. She plans to go through training camp and aims to secure a spot on a team, fully embracing the entire process. Cooper’s current workout routine is intense, with at least three sessions a day, and she remains dedicated even when traveling.
Cooper describes herself as the same player but now more polished, seasoned, and hungry for success. She views her time away from the game as a period of growth and refinement. Seeing players like Kalani Brown re-enter the league and secure positions with teams brings her joy and inspiration. She acknowledges the challenges of being cut and the difficulties of bouncing back, especially when basketball is not just a career but a core part of one’s identity and means of providing for oneself and one’s family.
