EuroBasket Women 2025 will commence on Wednesday, June 18, taking place across four cities in Europe: Piraeus in Greece, Bologna in Italy, Brno in Czechia, and Hamburg in Germany. Each venue will host one of the four groups, leading into the knockout stages set to be held in Greece.
This tournament features a number of active players from the WNBA, alongside emerging talents who are set to join the league in the future. The competition promises to showcase familiar stars and potential breakout players. Below is an overview of the noteworthy athletes to keep an eye on throughout the event.
Group A: France, Greece, Switzerland, Turkey
WNBA players and draftees: Janelle Salaün (France, Golden State Valkyries), Leïla Lacan (France, Connecticut Sun), Teaira McCowan (Turkey, Dallas Wings)
The combination of Salaün and Lacan will be a highlight for French fans, with Salaün already making waves in the WNBA. Lacan, selected 10th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, aims to bolster her national team’s chances. Turkey will depend on McCowan’s performance along with Sevgi Uzun, who is known for her intricate play style that often goes unnoticed by casual observers.
Group B: Italy, Slovenia, Lithuania, Serbia
WNBA players and draftees: Cecilia Zandalasini (Italy, Valkyries), Jessica Shepard (Slovenia, Minnesota Lynx), Ajša Sivka (Slovenia, Chicago Sky), Matilde Villa (Italy, Atlanta Dream), Juste Jocyté (Lithuania, Valkyries)
Group B stands out as a highly competitive section with numerous young talents. Jocyté, Sivka, and Villa are all under 21 and have already been drafted into the WNBA, showcasing their capability as team leaders. Jocyté’s impressive wingspan and shooting skills present a promising future, while Sivka’s approach remains steady but less explosive. Villa’s ball-handling skills are sure to shine among experienced teammates.
Group C: Belgium, Czechia, Montenegro, Portugal
WNBA players: Julie Allemand (Belgium, Los Angeles Sparks), Julie Vanloo (Belgium, Valkyries)
Other players to watch: Emma Messeman (Belgium)
Belgium’s Emma Messeman is widely regarded as one of the tournament’s premier talents. Her exceptional ability on the court is likened to that of Nikola Jokić in men’s basketball. Czechia, Montenegro, and Portugal will vie for the remaining position in the knockout round. Although Montenegro faces challenges due to the absence of Natasha Mack, they maintain a strong squad capable of progression.
Group D: Germany, Great Britain, Spain, Sweden
WNBA players: Luisa Geiselsöder (Germany, Wings), Leonie Fiebich (Germany, New York Liberty), Temi Fágbénlé (Great Britain, Valkyries)
Other players to watch: Awa Fam (Spain), Iyana Martin (Spain), Holly Winterburn (Great Britain)
Germany emerges as a strong contender in Group D; however, Spain also holds an intriguing roster led by 19-year-olds Awa Fam and Iyana Martin, both recent MVPs in FIBA competitions. Despite Great Britain’s recent struggles in preparation games, established players such as Fágbénlé and Winterburn could still make an impact.
