Is France Team USA’s Biggest World Cup Threat?

Is France Team USA’s Biggest World Cup Threat?

From No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show by The Athletic

September 4, 2026 · 49 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the impact of French players in the WNBA and their potential threat to Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, along with other relevant basketball news.

French talent is making a major impact in the WNBA — and now some of those same players could stand in Team USA’s way at the FIBA World Cup. Sabreena and Annie are joined by Eden Laase to break down the growing pipeline of French players to the WNBA, what’s made the league an increasingly attractive destination, and whether that experience could help France pull off a World Cup upset. Before Eden joins, Sabreena and Annie discuss the latest developments surrounding Kate Koval’s departure from LSU following the program’s recruitment of a Russian player, which left Koval without a new landing spot as the NCAA transfer window closed before she could make her move. They also break down the passport issue that has kept Li Yueru from playing for Team China, before turning to Satou Sabally being ruled out for the remainder of the season and what that could mean for her future and the New York Liberty. Finally, the trio look beyond Team USA and France to preview the rest of the FIBA World Cup field, highlighting the teams and players they’ll be watching closely throughout the tournament. REFERENCES:  Ukrainian center Kate Koval details leaving LSU after recruitment of Russian player…

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