SHANGHAI (China) - The best ever FIBA 3x3 Women's Series is in the books after an unforgettable ending at the Shanghai Final on September 13-14.
Here is all we learned from the showpiece event on the women's pro circuit.
Canada are the Queens of the WS
There have only been six editions of the Women's Series, yet Canada have won half of them. Their latest triumph in Shanghai added to Canada's back-to-back titles in 2022-23, cementing their legacy as the WS powerhouse.
Katherine Plouffe and Paige Crozon have been mainstays of their long run of success and they were once again key contributors, but it was walking bucket Saicha Grant-Allen who gave them the extra spark.
Grant-Allen was not part of the previous title-winning teams and she provided the team with the necessary hunger that was evident in Canada's dominant run. The MVP was a two-way force to highlight an even team effort as Canada showcased incredible chemistry throughout.
Apart from a one-point slip up against CS Rapid Bucharest (ROU), the Canadians were ruthless and won all their games by 8+ points, including against powers Spain in the semis and twice against Azerbaijan.
It left them once again singing 'Oh Canada' long after their sweet triumph.
Azerbaijan are a force
Azerbaijan aren't just the cool 3x3 story, the small nation that has quickly risen the 3x3 women ranks. They are now a legitimate force having completed a terrific 3x3 season just over a year since their memorable appearance at the Paris Olympics.
Azerbaijan won 17 of 23 games on the WS, including two titles and a runner-up finish in Shanghai. Canada proved their kryptonite, but Azerbaijan should be mightily pleased with their performance after overcoming a murderers row.
After a thrilling OT victory over Mongolian heroes Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL), where Alexandra Mollenhauer stepped up with a clutch two piece, Azerbaijan stunned the world by taking down No.1 Netherlands in a thrilling semi-final to avenge their defeat in the Europe Cup final.
Brianna Fraser played the game of her life to finish with 11 points and 8 rebounds, her masterclass in a dazzling tournament she finished No.1 in points (54) and player-value (53.6).
It was an outstanding performance from Azerbaijan, on the back of finishing runner-up at the Europe Cup. They will set their sights next year on winning all before them.
Netherlands fall short of history
One of the most dominant seasons in women's 3x3 ended in rare heartbreak for the Netherlands after their 21-19 defeat to Azerbaijan. But a first WS Final triumph was always going to be difficult without Noortje Driessen, the best 3x3 women's player on the planet.
Still the Dutchwomen showed plenty of class and heart to overcome rival Spain in OT and Ulaanbaatar Amazons (MGL) to ensure safe passage to the semis. With Driessen absent, superstar Janis Boonstra stepped up and she was well supported by Ilse Kuijt who was lights out throughout.
The Dutchwomen will always remember 2025 fondly after winning 31 of 37 on the WS, including three titles. But they fell just short of becoming the first team to complete the trifecta - Europe Cup, World Cup and WS Final titles.
You just know completing that historic goal will fuel this outstanding team in the off-season.
Spain again show plenty of guts
Of course, Spain just had to finish the season showcasing plenty of guts and determination. Their semi-final run was highlighted by a gritty victory over Netherlands U25 in the quarter-finals when superstar Vega Gimeno hit a two in OT.
Having won bronze at the Europe Cup, Spain ran out of gas against Canada in the semis but they should be mightily pleased with their season. Spain won 21 of 27 games, including three titles, and were again brilliantly led by their Olympic silver medal winning heroes Gimeno and Sandra Ygueravide.
Spain remain one of the very best women teams to ever do it and don't expect anything to be different in 2026.
Shanghai sizzled What a place for the WS to celebrate its showpiece event, with the famous global city of Shanghai well established as an iconic 3x3 destination having hosted stops previously on the FIBA 3x3 World Tour. The amazing locale mixed with the rowdy fans in the bleachers made it feel like it was Chinese New Year. What a way to end 2025 on the WS!
FIBA