Besiktas sign Wenyen Gabriel for 2026-27 season

Besiktas have announced the signing of Wenyen Gabriel as the Istanbul club steps up its roster-building efforts ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Turkish side confirmed the arrival of the 206cm forward, adding a player whose career has taken him from the NCAA through the NBA and, most recently, the EuroLeague. Gabriel arrives with a wealth of experience at the highest levels of the game, and his versatility in the frontcourt is expected to give Besiktas additional depth for the new campaign.

Gabriel completed his college career with the Kentucky Wildcats in the NCAA before turning professional in 2018 with the Sacramento Kings. His NBA journey proved extensive: after his time with the Kings he played for the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies, gaining experience in some of the most demanding environments in the sport and building a reputation as a dependable, athletic presence around the basket.

In 2024 the forward made the switch to European basketball, making his EuroLeague debut with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He went on to represent Panathinaikos and Bayern Munich, two of the continent's most decorated clubs, adding further pedigree to an already varied resume before agreeing to join Besiktas.

Besiktas welcomed Gabriel to the club and wished him great success in the team's colours, with the forward expected to bolster the frontcourt as the new campaign approaches. His arrival continues a busy period of squad building for the Istanbul outfit, which is assembling a competitive group for the season ahead.

The move marks the latest step in a career that has crossed two continents. After years of NBA experience and a spell in the EuroLeague, Gabriel will now look to make his mark in Turkish basketball.

Sources

• Sportando — Beşiktaş officially signs Wenyen Gabriel