Germany’s Satou Sabally and the USA’s Breanna Stewart traded baskets early in their Olympic quarterfinal matchup, thrilling the crowd at Stade Pierre Mauroy. However, the U.S. team’s depth proved decisive as they defeated Germany 87-68 to win Group C and advance to the quarterfinals.
Had an amazing time being a Sheryl watching the US Olympic Team beat Germany. Honestly overwhelmed by the amount of love shown to these women in France. Women’s basketball is not next, it’s now! pic.twitter.com/cor44mkqaG
— Yeaux KD (@StackOvaFlow) August 4, 2024
Stewart and A’ja Wilson, both two-time WNBA MVPs, led the U.S. team with 13 and 14 points, respectively. Jackie Young came off the bench to lead all scorers with 19 points, while Kahleah Copper added nine points, shooting 3-of-4 from deep. Germany, participating in their first women’s basketball Olympics, was led by Sabally with 15 points.
Sabally expressed her excitement for her team advancing to the quarterfinals but criticized the WNBA’s prioritization rule, which forces international players to choose between playing in the WNBA or overseas leagues that extend into April. This rule has made it difficult for international players to participate in both, given that top players can earn significantly more money playing overseas.
Kelsey Plum of Team USA highlighted the talent of players like Alexis Peterson, who shined in the Olympics but faced challenges securing a spot in the WNBA due to the prioritization rule. Sabally pointed out the disparity between the NBA and WNBA in integrating international players, urging for changes in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement to be more inclusive.
Breanna Stewart, who has spent many winters playing overseas to supplement her income, acknowledged the complexity of the situation. She suggested that making the WNBA a more attractive place for international players could be part of future CBA negotiations. However, she noted that moving the WNBA to a winter schedule, traditionally basketball season, might not be feasible yet due to other priorities.
Cheryl Reeve, head coach of the U.S. women’s team and the Minnesota Lynx, emphasized the need for the WNBA to globalize the game, following the NBA’s successful model. Reeve believes that including the best players from around the world would enhance the league’s quality and appeal.
US women’s basketball team stays unbeaten with win over Germany. https://t.co/l0lMOQI8jT
— NBC10 Philadelphia (@NBCPhiladelphia) August 4, 2024
As the WNBA aims to be the best women’s basketball league globally, it must address barriers preventing top international talent from joining. By adopting more inclusive policies, the league can ensure it truly represents the best in women’s basketball worldwide.
Key Points:
i. The U.S. women’s basketball team defeated Germany 87-68 in the final game of pool play at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
ii. Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson led the U.S. team, with Jackie Young scoring 19 points off the bench.
iii. Germany’s Satou Sabally criticized the WNBA’s prioritization rule, which forces players to choose between the WNBA and overseas leagues.
iv. The WNBA’s summer schedule and prioritization rule are seen as barriers to international player participation.
v. U.S. women’s coach Cheryl Reeve emphasized the importance of globalizing the game to improve the WNBA.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
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