Crystal Bradford Bio
Crystal Bradford (born November 1, 1993) is an American professional basketball player who is currently a free agent. A star college player at Central Michigan University, she made history as the first player in the CMU program to ever be drafted to the WNBA. She was selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2015 WNBA draft.
Standing 183 cm and competing at 77 kg, Bradford has built her career across the WNBA and a wide range of international leagues. Known for her scoring and rebounding, she continues to play professionally more than a decade after her collegiate breakthrough.
Early Life and Background
Crystal Bradford was born on November 1, 1993, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. Growing up in the Detroit area, she was introduced to basketball at a young age and developed her game through local programs and competitive youth circuits. Her height and athleticism set her apart early, and she quickly became one of the most promising prospects in the region.
She attended Inkster High School, where she starred for the basketball team and earned recognition as one of the top recruits in the state of Michigan. Her high school performances drew attention from multiple college programs and laid the foundation for her future at the collegiate level.
Path to Basketball
Bradford committed to Central Michigan University, where she joined the Chippewas women’s basketball program and immediately made an impact. As a freshman in 2012, she earned a place on the MAC All-Freshman Team, signaling her arrival as one of the conference’s rising talents. She continued to develop her all-around game, showcasing scoring ability, rebounding, and defensive instincts.
By her sophomore year, Bradford was named the Mid-American Conference Tournament MVP in 2013, and she followed that with First-team All-MAC honors in both 2013 and 2014. Her dominant senior season brought her the MAC Player of the Year and MAC Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2014. She finished her college career as CMU’s all-time leader in points (2,006), rebounds (1,140), made field goals (805), and blocks (177). Her historic college career set the stage for her transition to professional basketball.
Crystal Bradford Career
WNBA Career (2015–Present)
Bradford was drafted by the Los Angeles Sparks with the seventh pick in the 2015 WNBA draft, becoming the first Central Michigan player ever selected in the league. She appeared in 15 games during her rookie season, averaging 2.7 points per game as she adjusted to the professional level. Her rookie campaign provided valuable experience, though her role remained limited.
After spending time overseas, Bradford returned to the WNBA in April 2021 when she signed with the Atlanta Dream. She averaged 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds during the 2021 season before suffering a Jones fracture in her right foot on August 24, 2021, which ended her year. Following that season, the Dream did not re-sign her after footage of an off-court incident circulated publicly.
In February 2022, Bradford signed with the Chicago Sky, extending her WNBA career. In May 2023, she was waived by the Los Angeles Sparks after appearing in one preseason game, in which she scored four points against the Phoenix Mercury. On February 21, 2025, Bradford signed a training camp contract with the Las Vegas Aces, though she was waived by the club on June 11, 2025.
International Career (2016–2023)
Bradford began her overseas career in January 2016 when she signed with Vimpelin Veto of the Finnish Naisten Korisliiga. In 11 games, she averaged 15.8 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, establishing herself as a double-double threat in European play.
She continued her international journey with Elitzur Holon in Israel during the 2017–18 season, averaging 19.6 points, 13.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals across 26 games. Her performance helped Elitzur reach both the league and cup finals. In May 2018, she signed with Bnot Hertzeliya, where she averaged 22.1 points and 14.5 rebounds in 23 games, further cementing her reputation as a dominant scorer abroad.
During the 2020–21 season, Bradford played for Beşiktaş JK in Turkey, posting 20.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in 19 games. She later joined Ramat Hasharon, where she averaged 19.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.5 steals in 11 games. In May 2021, she signed with Polish club AZS Poznań for the 2021–22 season, and she later played for Uni Girona CB in Spain during the 2022–23 campaign.
Summer League and Athletes Unlimited
During the summer of 2017, Bradford played for the Flint Lady Monarchs of the Global Women’s Basketball Association, helping the team win the GWBA title while earning Finals MVP honors. She later appeared in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball in 2023, finishing seventh on the season leaderboard, and returned in 2024 to finish third overall, demonstrating her continued ability to perform at a high level.
Crystal Bradford Career Wins
Crystal Bradford has accumulated a diverse collection of titles and accolades across multiple leagues and competitions. Her success spans the GWBA, the Mid-American Conference, and various international circuits, reflecting her consistency and competitiveness throughout her career.
League and Tournament Highlights
Bradford was named the GWBA champion and GWBA Finals MVP in 2017 after leading the Flint Lady Monarchs to the title. In college, she earned the Mid-American Conference Tournament MVP award in 2013, along with two First-team All-MAC selections in 2013 and 2014. She was also recognized as the MAC Player of the Year and MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014, capping one of the most decorated careers in Central Michigan history.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond her verified championship and conference honors, Bradford has consistently delivered double-doubles across European leagues, including standout seasons in Finland, Israel, Turkey, Poland, and Spain. Her scoring and rebounding averages abroad have routinely placed her among the top performers in those competitions.
Crystal Bradford Family
Personal Life
Crystal Bradford was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and she has maintained ties to the region throughout her career. She attended Inkster High School before going on to play at Central Michigan University. Public details about her immediate family and personal relationships have not been widely reported.
2025 Season Performance
Crystal Bradford entered the 2025 WNBA season by signing a training camp contract with the Las Vegas Aces on February 21, 2025. She participated in the preseason as she competed for a roster spot with one of the league’s top contenders. Her veteran experience and international résumé gave her a chance to compete for a role on a championship-caliber team.
On June 11, 2025, Bradford was waived by the Aces, returning her to free agency. Despite the early-season release, she remained active professionally, continuing to compete at a high level abroad and in alternative professional basketball leagues. Her 2024 third-place finish in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball showed that she remained a productive and impactful player.
Looking ahead, Bradford’s veteran presence, scoring ability, and rebounding strength keep her as a viable option for WNBA teams and international clubs seeking frontcourt depth. Her career trajectory suggests she will continue pursuing professional opportunities wherever they arise.