DONGGUAN (China) - A team from the Gulf is finally taking part in FIBA's flagship event for women's club teams in Asia as Al Ula Club are all set to compete in the Women's Basketball League Asia (WBL Asia) 2025 next week.
Their participation marks the first time that Saudi Arabia will partake in the annual meet that's now in its second offering, as the field expanded to six teams to bring a fresher and more exciting dynamic to the competition.
Team history
They're new within the WBL Asia context, yes, but the team has long been active in the domestic sporting scene for a while now. Their roots go back to 1978, and would be registered to the Ministry of Youth three years after.
But really, it wasn't until 2023 where Al Ula would be taken to unprecedented heights, when the club came under the control of the Royal Commission for Al Ula, as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 government program.
That's the reason why the club has been investing solidly to bring in the best possible talent, first for its football squads and recently for the basketball teams by signing both Wael Arakji and Thon Maker.
And both of those stars could potentially reinforce Al Ula in the Gulf League of the 2025-26 FIBA West Asia Super League, bringing with them championship experiences after leading Al Riyadi to the league crown.
Players to watch
For now, though, the Al Ula women's team will introduce the organization to a wider audience, coming in armed with must-watch talents that makes them one anticipated squad in the September 23-28 festivities.
Chennedy Carter is expected to be at the forefront of their charge, with much of the attention drawn on her being a former WNBA star herself especially after that standout season with the Chicago Sky back in 2024.
But it's not just her 'W' pedigree that's made fans and pundits excited with her arrival - or return, rather. She's been equipped with much experience from overseas basketball, including a stellar WCBA stint last season.
She played for Wuhan Shengfu - she also became teammates with Ulaanbaatar Amazons star Khulan Onolbaatar - and became a fan fave after tallying a 33-17-10 triple-double in their 85-69 win over Hefei last January.
Here's a quick look on one of her games in China:
Now, the do-it-all PG is coming back to China, albeit with Al Ula where she will share leadership duties with another former WNBA veteran in Queen Egbo, who, like her, spent the last season in WCBA as well.
Al Ula Club are situated in Group B together with 2024 bronze winners and WJBL champions Fujitsu Red Wave, and WKBL champions Busan BNK Sum. To know more about their WBL Asia 2025 campaign, click here.
FIBA