Basketball-WM in Berlin: Gutes Los für die Frauen, Nowitzki in der Hall of Fame
The German women’s basketball team has received a favorable draw for the upcoming FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, with a manageable group that includes Spain, Japan, and Mali, making a quarterfinal appearance a realistic minimum goal, according to multiple sources.
Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki was honored as only the second German ever inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame during the event, following Detlef Schrempf, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
The draw took place at the Kraftwerk in Berlin, with the games scheduled to be played in the Berlin Arena and the Max-Schmeling-Halle from September 4 to 13, 2026. The tournament marks Germany’s first Women’s World Cup appearance since 1998.
German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki expressed confidence in the team’s potential, stating that reaching the quarterfinals should be an absolute minimum goal and that the team could achieve more if they feed off the home crowd’s energy.
The draw was conducted by notable figures including Australian basketball legend Lauren Jackson, former German handball star Stefan Kretzschmar, and German breakdance champion Jilou, adding a unique touch to the ceremony.
More than 76,000 tickets have already been sold for the tournament, indicating strong public interest in the home World Cup.
The German squad features several WNBA players, including Satou and Nyara Sabally, Leonie Fiebich, Luisa Geiselsöder, and Frieda Bühner, representing the strongest-ever German national team selection with multiple athletes currently active in the United States.
As the tournament approaches, the team will look to build on the positive momentum from the favorable draw and Nowitzki’s endorsement, aiming to make a deep run in their first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the opening match of the tournament on September 4, 2026, in Berlin.
What are your thoughts on Germany’s chances in the Women’s Basketball World Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below.
