The Australian Opals have named a talented team for the FIBA Women's Asia Cup, which gets underway on Sunday, July 13.
Blending experience and young talent, the 12-strong roster includes two debutants in Alex Wilson and Isabelle Bourne, alongside veterans Cayla George and Sarah Blicavs.
Since the Opals joined the Asian region in 2017, they have walked away with a medal at every tournament, winning silver in their first campaign, followed by three straight bronze medal finishes in 2019, 2021, and 2023.
A victory in Shenzhen will grant the Aussies automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany, with the next five highest-placed teams to advance to the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments in March, 2026.
With head coach Sandy Brondello unavailable due to her WNBA commitments with the New York Liberty, Paul Goriss will be on the sidelines in China.
"Goz (Paul Goriss) has been with me for so many years - even though our offensive styles are a little different, defensively we’re on the same page," Brondello said.
"We’ve got really great coaches with Goz, Shannon Seebohm, Kristi Harrower and Cheryl Chambers, there’s a wealth of experience there, and I’m really excited for them to lead the team at Asia Cup."
Australian Opals FIBA Women's Asia Cup squad
The Opals have named two debutants in their squad for the Asia Cup, with Alex Wilson and Isabelle Bourne set to make their official Opals debuts in Shenzhen.
| Player | Position | Height | Age | Team |
| Zitina Aokuso | F/C | 6-4 | 26 | UC Capitals |
| Chloe Bibby | F | 6-2 | 27 | Golden State Valkyries |
| Sara Blicavs | F | 6-2 | 32 | UC Capitals |
| Isobel Borlase | G | 5-11 | 20 | Bendigo Spirit |
| Isabelle Bourne | F | 6-2 | 24 | Southside Flyers |
| Abbey Ellis | G | 5-6 | 24 | Townsville Fire |
| Alex Fowler | F | 6-0 | 23 | Townsville Fire |
| Cayla George | F/C | 6-4 | 36 | Southside Flyers |
| Steph Reid | G | 5-6 | 28 | Sopron Basket |
| Miela Sowah | G | 5-11 | 25 | Townsville Fire |
| Alex Wilson | G | 5-9 | 31 | Perth Lynx |
| Courtney Woods | G/F | 6-0 | 28 | Townsville Fire |
How to watch FIBA Women's Asia Cup: TV channels, live streams
- TV channels: —
- Live streams: FIBA YouTube channel
FIBA Women's Asia Cup games will not be available on free-to-air TV. You can watch the Opals games on ESPN/Kayo Sports. The tournament's games will also be available to stream on the FIBA YouTube channel.
Australian Opals FIBA Women's Asia Cup full schedule: Dates, times for games
The FIBA Women's Asia Cup will begin on Sunday, July 13, and conclude with the championship game on Sunday, July 20.
The Opals have been drawn in Group B alongside the Philippines, Lebanon and Japan.
*All times AEST.
| Game | Date | Time | Location |
| Australia v Philippines | Sunday 13 July | 6:30 p.m. AEST | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia v Lebanon | Monday 14 July | 6:30 p.m. AEST | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia v Japan | Tuesday 15 July | 6:30 p.m. AEST | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |