BERLIN (Germany) - With less than a year until the start of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026, host nation Germany have appointed Olaf Lange as their head coach for what will be his third spell at the helm.
The 53 year-old Berliner previously coached his country in 1998 and then again between 2001 and 2003, with this newest stint seeing him contracted until after LA 2028.
The appointment comes after Germany parted ways with Lisa Thomaidis, who made history by taking the team to their first ever Olympic appearance and a maiden Olympic victory at Paris 2024.
It is something special for me to return to Germany and be part of this exciting development in German women's basketball
Lange won a bronze medal at the last edition of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Sydney as an Assistant Coach with Australia and brings a wealth of experience to the table.
He was also previously head coach of the Opals for a short time, coached Russia between 2017-2019 on the international stage and has won EuroLeague Women titles at club level.
"I am grateful and very proud to be able to take on the responsibility as national coach of the German women's national team," stated Lange.
"After many years abroad, it is something special for me to return to Germany and be part of this exciting development in German women's basketball. I feel great enthusiasm and anticipation for the upcoming challenges and for working with a talented, committed, and hungry team.
"Together, we want to take the next steps and lay the foundation to maximize our potential in the coming years—and especially with a view to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 in Berlin," he concluded.
Before the action tips off at the main event and despite having a ticket guaranteed as host nation, Germany will participate in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament France next March in Lyon-Villeurbanne.
They will compete against home favorites France, along with Colombia, Korea, Philippines and Nigeria.
FIBA