As the basketball world turns its attention to EuroBasket Women 2025, the excitement and anticipation are palpable. This prestigious tournament, which showcases the finest talent in women’s basketball across Europe, promises fierce competition, emerging stars, and passionate national pride. Among the teams gearing up for the tournament, France stands out as the early favorite—bringing a mix of experienced players, youthful energy, and strategic excellence to the court.
With the tournament set to take place across multiple host cities from June 19 to June 29, 2025, fans are gearing up for ten days of non-stop basketball action. As teams finalize their rosters and training camps intensify, let’s dive into what makes France’s women’s basketball team a frontrunner—and what to expect from this landmark event.
A Look Back: France’s EuroBasket Legacy
France has long been a powerhouse in European women’s basketball. With consistent top finishes, including silver medals in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021, and a strong performance in the 2023 edition, France has established itself as one of the strongest and most reliable teams in the history of the competition.
While a championship win has eluded them in recent years, the 2025 team appears poised to finally reclaim the title. A blend of international experience and rising stars gives France a rare depth and adaptability.
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Why France is the Early Favorite for EuroBasket Women 2025
1. Strong Core of Experienced Players
France enters the tournament with a battle-hardened core that has competed at the highest levels—including the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, and previous EuroBasket tournaments. Veterans like:
- Marine Johannès – A dynamic guard known for her court vision and deadly three-point shooting
- Sandrine Gruda – The seasoned center and emotional leader of the team, bringing unmatched interior presence
- Endéné Miyem is a dependable forward with strong leadership qualities and a great basketball IQ.
These players provide stability, leadership, and experience, essential for navigating the high-stakes games of the knockout rounds.
2. Emerging Young Stars
France’s youth pipeline continues to produce elite talent. Newer faces on the roster like:
- Iliana Rupert – A young and versatile center with WNBA and EuroLeague experience
- Kendra Chéry – An athletic wing player who brings intensity on defense and transition scoring
- Romane Bernies – A sharp playmaker stepping into a bigger role this year
These players bring energy, speed, and versatility to France’s lineup, making them a threat on both ends of the court.
3. Tactical Excellence and Depth
France is renowned for its deep bench, efficient ball movement, and disciplined defense. The 2025 team is no different. France can swiftly adjust to different opponents and game tempos thanks to its ability to switch between half-court sets and fast-break assaults with ease.
France enjoys a strategic advantage thanks to coach Jean-Aimé Toupane’s emphasis on a balanced offense and high-pressure defense during his career.
Host Cities and Tournament Format
Germany and the Czech Republic will share hosting duties for EuroBasket Women 2025, which will take place in Hamburg, Berlin, Prague, and Ostrava. The group stages will be split between the cities, while the knockout rounds and finals are set to take place in Berlin, promising a grand showdown in one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals.
Tournament Structure:
- 16 teams will be split into 4 groups
- Top teams from each group will progress to the quarterfinals
- Knockout rounds determine the semifinalists and finalists
- The top 6 teams will also qualify for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament for the Paris 2026 Olympics
This adds another layer of intensity, as every win could influence Olympic dreams.
Key Contenders Challenging France
Though France is the early favorite, several teams are well-positioned to challenge for the crown:
Spain
a conventional competitor with a swift attack and guards. Players like Alba Torrens and Maite Cazorla bring flair and firepower.
Belgium
The 2023 EuroBasket champions are still strong, with Emma Meesseman leading the charge. Belgium’s cohesion and elite passing make them a difficult matchup.
Serbia
Physical, gritty, and experienced, Serbia remains a top threat. Led by Yvonne Anderson and Jelena Brooks, their defensive toughness can disrupt any team.
Italy & Turkey
Dark horses with talented youth and growing international experience. Both teams are capable of upsets and should not be underestimated.
Players to Watch in EuroBasket Women 2025
Aside from France’s stars, the tournament will feature elite players from across Europe:
- Emma Meesseman (Belgium) – A EuroLeague MVP with unmatched skill in the post
- Alba Torrens (Spain) – One of Europe’s most celebrated scorers
- Jonquel Jones (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – A dominant WNBA player bringing size and scoring
- Yvonne Anderson (Serbia) – A consistent floor general and clutch performer
Expect to see new names emerge as breakout stars, especially from younger teams hungry for recognition.
Media Coverage and Global Reach
EuroBasket Women 2025 will be broadcast and streamed across Europe, North America, and Asia, with millions expected to tune in. FIBA’s digital platforms, including the FIBA YouTube channel and official app, will offer highlights, interviews, and real-time updates.
The tournament’s visibility is also fueling important conversations around women’s sports visibility, gender equity, and representation in media. France’s role as a high-profile team only enhances this momentum.
What This Means for Women’s Basketball in France
If France secures the title, it could mark a historic turning point for women’s basketball in the country. A win would:
- Cement the legacy of current stars
- Inspire the next generation of athletes
- Boost funding and grassroots development
- Increase media coverage and sponsorship opportunities
Already, the French Basketball Federation (FFBB) is planning promotional campaigns and youth programs around the tournament, aiming to build a long-lasting basketball culture that celebrates both men’s and women’s achievements equally.
The Road Ahead: France’s Path to Victory
France’s group stage opponents will soon be revealed through the official draw, but preparation is already underway. Training camps, warm-up friendlies, and player rotations are all being fine-tuned to ensure peak performance.
The key for France will be:
- Avoiding early-round upsets
- Managing player fatigue and injuries
- Maintaining composure in close games
- Utilizing bench depth wisely in tournament play
If they can stay consistent and capitalize on their tactical strengths, France could very well end their silver streak and stand atop the podium in Berlin.
Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity for Les Bleues
EuroBasket Women 2025 promises world-class competition, emotional highs, and unforgettable moments. For France, it represents more than a trophy—it’s a chance to rewrite the narrative of near-misses and prove their dominance in European basketball.
As the world watches, one thing is clear: France isn’t just showing up to compete—they’re coming to win.
FAQs – EuroBasket Women 2025
Q1: When and where is EuroBasket Women 2025 being held?
A: The tournament will take place from June 19 to June 29, 2025, across host cities in Germany (Hamburg, Berlin) and Czech Republic (Prague, Ostrava).
Q2: Why is France considered the early favorite?
A: France boasts a mix of veteran leadership, young talent, tactical discipline, and depth, making them one of the most complete teams in the competition.
Q3: Who are the standout players on the French team?
A: Key players include Marine Johannès, Sandrine Gruda, Iliana Rupert, and Endéné Miyem—all with experience at the international and professional levels.
Q4: How many teams compete in EuroBasket Women 2025?
A: A total of 16 teams will compete, divided into 4 groups for the preliminary rounds.
