Germany participated in the Women's Basketball World Cup, which concluded on September 13, showcasing significant improvement throughout the tournament. The team, led by players Leonie Fiebich and Nyara Sabally, achieved a notable victory against European champions Belgium in the quarterfinals. However, Germany was unable to secure a medal, losing to France in the semifinals and to Spain in the third-place match. Fiebich acknowledged the team's current limitations, stating, "We simply aren't good enough yet," while expressing confidence in future improvement.
The tournament highlighted the positive trajectory of women's basketball in Germany, with the national team qualifying for the Olympic Games for the first time in 2024 and winning gold in 3x3 basketball. Germany's women's team also finished fifth in the 2025 EuroBasket, and they are expected to be medal contenders in the next EuroBasket tournament if they qualify.
Head coach Olaf Lange emphasized the importance of using the team's recent experiences as motivation for individual improvement. He noted the significant support from fans, with approximately 230,000 tickets sold for the World Cup, primarily to German attendees.
Despite the national team's progress, the top women's basketball league in Germany (DBBL) is perceived to be lagging behind international standards. Most players from the World Cup squad compete abroad, with only three players currently in the DBBL. Lange described the league as "semi-professional," indicating a decline in its structure since his coaching tenure.
Ireti Amojo, the new DBBL president, has initiated measures to enhance the league's professionalism, including plans to hire full-time youth development coaches and increase arena capacities. However, challenges remain, such as a shortage of coaches and basketball facilities, which hinder the ability to accommodate a potential influx of young players inspired by the World Cup.
Amojo expressed concern about the timing of these developments, stating, "We should have started five years ago" to capitalize on the World Cup's momentum. She believes the event has demonstrated a growing interest in women's basketball in Germany and is hopeful for future advancements in the sport's infrastructure.