Overview
Ranked second in the world, the Seven Consulting Opals are set to begin their 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup campaign this Sunday, 13 July in Shenzhen, China.
Drawn in Group B, Australia will face Japan, Lebanon and the Philippines, with all games to be played at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre from 13 to 20 July.
Group Stage Schedule
| Sunday 13 July | 6:30 PM | Australia v Philippines |
| Monday 14 July | 6:30 PM | Australia v Lebanon |
| Tuesday 15 July | 6:30 PM | Australia v Japan |
All times listed are in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Quarterfinals will be played on 18 July, with finals held on 19 and 20 July.
How to Watch
All Australian Opals games will be broadcast live on ESPN/Kayo.
All other games will be available via Courtside 1891.
What’s at Stake
The Asia Cup is a critical step in the Opals’ journey to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The tournament winner will earn direct qualification for the World Cup, while the next five placed teams will advance to the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments, scheduled for March 2026.
Meet the Team
The Opals head into Shenzhen with a mix of experience and rising talent.
| Zitina Aokuso | Alex Fowler |
| Chloe Bibby | Cayla George |
| Sara Blicavs | Steph Reid |
| Isobel Borlase | Miela Sowah |
| Isabelle Bourne | Alex Wilson |
| Abbey Ellis | Courtney Woods |
Debutants
Alex ‘Ally’ Wilson and Isabelle Bourne are set to make their official Opals debuts in Shenzhen. A Paris Olympian, Wilson has been a driving force for the 3x3 Gangurrus, delivering an MVP performance to lead Australia to a historic three-peat at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup in March.
Bourne, a rising forward, was a part of the Opals pre-Asia Cup training camp in April. She has impressed across two WNBL seasons with the Adelaide Lightning, and is coming off a breakout few months, making her 3x3 debut at the FIBA Champions Cup, and recently signing with the Southside Flyers for the upcoming WNBL season.
Team Update
Originally named in the Opals squad for the Asia Cup, Maddy Rocci has been sidelined due to injury and will be unavailable for the tournament.
Replacing Rocci is Abbey Ellis, who debuted during the Trans-Tasman series and brings many of the same strengths, including full-court defence, transition speed, and a reliable outside shot.
Having already spent time in camp, Ellis is familiar with the team’s structure and style, making her a natural inclusion heading into Shenzhen.
Coaching Staff
With Head Coach Sandy Brondello unavailable due to her WNBA commitments, Associate Head Coach Paul Goriss will again take the reins in Shenzhen.
He’ll be supported by a diverse coaching group featuring Cheryl Chambers, Kristi Harrower, and former Opals captain Tess Madgen.
Final Prep: Practice Games vs China
As part of their final preparations, the Opals are playing two practice games against tournament hosts, China .
In the first match last night, Australia came away with a 76–63 win, with debutant Isabelle Bourne leading all scorers with 15 points.
The second hit-out is set for tomorrow and will serve as the team’s final tune-up before they tip off their Asia Cup campaign against the Philippines on Sunday.
Please note, these games are geo-blocked and not available for live-stream in Australia.
Opals History at Asia Cup
Since joining the region in 2017, the Opals have stood on the podium at every edition, claiming silver in their debut campaign, followed by three consecutive bronze medals in 2019, 2021 and 2023.
With a proud history and a fresh group of talent, Australia is now aiming to climb the podium once again and keep their sights firmly set on the road to the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
