MIES (Switzerland) - An epic FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin left an unforgettable mark on the global game as the biggest stars on the planet fought it out for the famous silverware.
Smashing attendance and engagement records, the best ever edition of the competition laid down a new marker for the future of the women's game.
Now, many of the stars who stepped out at the showpiece will be back on show in the upcoming WNBA Finals when Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries contest a best-of-seven series between October 17 and 31.
Both franchises have ballers who played in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Final itself.
Atlanta are back in the WNBA Finals for the first time in 13 years and have been headlined by the in-form Angel Reese, who landed the World Cup title in the German capital alongside USA teammate Rhyne Howard.
Arriving in Berlin with millions of followers worldwide, her golden World Cup debut won her even more new fans as she led USA in blocks, was second in steals and third in rebounding.
Reese has been on fire for Atlanta, with many suggesting she will be the difference-maker in the Finals and especially after being crowned WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Meanwhile Howard has also been hugely influential too, combining with Reese for more than 40 points per game and it is a devastating one-two punch.
Standing in their way is a French trio of Gabby Williams, Janelle Salaun and Aminata Gueye who will feature with the Valkyries.
Williams is an incredible all-around presence, but especially defensively. Evidenced by leading the league in steals and of course being crowned Best Defensive Player at the World Cup - as well as making the coveted All-Star Five.
The forward was also recognized recently when she won the French Player of the Year award, seeing off Victor Wembanyama to scoop the highly prestigious accolade.
Salaun has the capacity to go off in any given game, while Gueye brings muscle in the paint off the bench.
Meanwhile it's not only ballers who featured in the World Cup Final that will play in these WNBA Finals. There are others who made a huge impression in the Germany capital.
The Valkyries have the unmistakable offensive prowess of Cecilia Zandalasini of Italy who almost led her country to a famous and shock win in Berlin against USA.
Atlanta have Isobel Borlase who showed her skills for Australia brilliantly to take the Opals safely into the Quarter-Finals when they were hit hard by injuries.
There is also Sika Kone who inspired Mali to a historic success against Spain on a memorable day at the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
The positive global impact of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup was seismic and those who excelled last month now have the opportunity to make some more special memories - this time, stepping out Stateside.
FIBA