Germany’s World Cup surge exposes gaps in women’s basketball infrastructure

Germany’s strong run at the Women’s Basketball World Cup drew large home crowds and underscored the national team’s rapid progress. DW reports that limited professional opportunities, facilities and coaching capacity could prevent the sport from building on that momentum.

Germany’s Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign ended with a semifinal defeat by France and a loss to Spain in the third-place game, but the tournament was still viewed as a major success. The team defeated European champions Belgium in the quarterfinals, while supporters bought around 230,000 tickets for the event in Berlin.

The result continued a rise that has included Germany’s first Olympic qualification in 2024, a gold medal in Olympic 3x3 basketball and fifth place at the 2025 EuroBasket, according to DW. Leonie Fiebich said the team had not yet reached the level required to compete with the world’s best for a full game, but added that it would improve.

Germany’s progress at international level contrasts with conditions in its domestic top division, the DBBL. Most members of the World Cup squad play abroad, including several in the WNBA, while only Alexandra Wilke, Emma Eichmeyer and Britta Daub play for DBBL clubs. DW reports that German players generally cannot make a living from basketball; Wilke, for example, works as a secondary-school teacher.

Head coach Olaf Lange described the league as “semi-professional” and said its structures had deteriorated since his time coaching there. He argued that sending leading players abroad was necessary for their development, but warned that sustaining the national team’s success would be difficult unless domestic conditions improve.

DBBL president Ireti Amojo has proposed hiring full-time youth-development coaches and increasing arena capacities. She also said the sport faces a shortage of coaches and facilities, with limited court time making it difficult for clubs to accommodate a possible influx of girls inspired by the World Cup.

Amojo told DW that Germany had missed the chance to prepare fully for the tournament’s potential impact, but said the event demonstrated that there is genuine interest in women’s basketball. She described the World Cup as a possible catalyst for reforms, rather than an endpoint, as officials seek to turn public enthusiasm into lasting participation and stronger clubs.