Opals Make History as Australia Claims First Asia Cup Title

In a historic achievement for Australian women’s basketball, the Opals clinched their first-ever Asia Cup title by defeating Japan 88-79 in the final held in Shenzhen, China, on July 20, 2025. This victory not only marks a significant milestone in Australian sports but also secures the Opals’ qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany.

The Opals displayed a commanding performance throughout the tournament, finishing undefeated with five consecutive wins. They dominated the semifinal against Korea, winning 86-73 before facing off against Japan, the defending champions and six-time Asia Cup winners. The final match saw the Opals maintain a lead at every quarter, showcasing their strategic prowess and teamwork.

Coach Paul Goriss praised the team’s execution and defensive strategy against Japan, stating, “Our pace, our execution, I think was one of our better games of the tournament defensively, and you could just see by everybody coming and contributing.” This sentiment was echoed by players, including Alex Fowler, who expressed pride in the team’s collaborative effort and the experience of representing Australia on such a prestigious stage.

The scoring for the Opals was well-distributed, with Fowler leading with 15 points, followed closely by Alex Wilson with 14 and Stephanie Reid with 13. Japanese players Kokoro Tanaka and Yuki Miyazawa led their team with 21 and 18 points, respectively. Wilson’s outstanding performance earned her the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors, averaging 11.8 points and 7.2 rebounds throughout the Asia Cup.

This historical win adds to a successful year for Australian basketball, as the Gems, Australia’s Under-19 women’s team, secured a silver medal in the Women’s U19 World Cup held in Czechia, losing to the United States in the final.

The significance of this victory extends beyond mere statistics; it symbolizes the growth and development of women's basketball in Australia and the increasing recognition of female athletes in the sport. According to Dr. Lisa Thompson, a sports analyst at the University of Sydney, “This win not only enhances the profile of women’s basketball in Australia but also inspires the next generation of female athletes to pursue their dreams.”

The Opals’ triumph at the Asia Cup is expected to foster greater investment and interest in women’s basketball across the nation. As Australia prepares for the World Cup next year, the focus will be on building a strong team and continuing to break barriers in the sport.

As the Opals celebrate this monumental victory, the future of women’s basketball in Australia appears promising, with increased media coverage and support from both government and private sectors potentially paving the way for sustained success. The Opals have not only made history but have also set a foundation for future generations to build upon in the realm of international women’s sports.