Opals win first ever FIBA Asia Cup

The Seven Consulting Australian Opals have claimed their first ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup title overnight. The Opals beat Japan 88-79 in a tense, tight, tough Final game at the Shenzhen Sports Center.

The Opals have a history of success winning Silver and Bronze at these tournaments previously, but this time were able to take it one better and claim the championship title.

The Opals and Japan have quite the history and rivalry in this tournament with a range of finals and semi-finals tussles over the years, most recently in the 2017 final, 2019 and 2021 semi-finals. Across the 2025 tournament, the Opals finished undefeated in five games, including two wins against Japan.

In last night’s game, Alex Wilson stood up and provided momentum for the team at crucial moments, scoring 14 points. Whilst Alex Fowler top-scored and won the Most Valuable Player award for the tournament. Both her and Stephanie Reid made the All-Star Five for the event.

The final game ebbed and flowed, but the Opals had a range of contributors outside of Fowler and Reid, including Izzy Borlase, Isabelle Bourne, and Cayla George. A range of WNBL talent competed in the tournament – a great sign for the season ahead.

The Opals now move ahead with automatic qualification to the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.

Spalding has a range of Opals basketballs available if you wish to get behind the FIBA ASIAN Cup Winners.