In an interview at Seton Hall University, tennis legend and social activist Billie Jean King discussed the importance of supporting women’s sports. Meanwhile, the US women’s basketball 3×3 team recently won the gold medal at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, with France taking the silver. This is the team’s third world title since 2014, with the four-member team being evenly split between college and professional talent.
US Basketball’s 3×3 circuit is one of the most prestigious tournaments outside of the Olympics, proving the depth of talent in women’s basketball. Sierra Burdick, the only woman to win two 3×3 World Cup titles, led Team USA in a title fight in Austria alongside other prominent players, including Louisiana State University’s Hayley Van Ris and free agent Rinne Harper.
New Jersey native Cameron Brink was the only rookie on the team, making her debut in her first 3×3 tournament in Vienna. She was named MVP of the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup. Brink has an extensive resume in basketball, including being part of Stanford’s national championship team in 2021.
Eliminating college eligibility for NIL money, the 3×3 tournament proves the depth of talent that exists across U.S. women’s basketball. However, top talent is often left off the WNBA roster, and critics cite this as a reason for league expansion. Choices for non-WNBA players are also limited.
Team USA’s women’s team made history by winning the gold medal, while the men’s team won silver, securing two slots for the men’s and women’s finals. The USA now has two berths to the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament scheduled to take place in the first half of 2024.