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Will Germany be without its WNBA players at the World Cup?

August 31, 2026Ярослав Вершинин3 мин

Germany's national basketball team faces a significant challenge for the upcoming World Cup as several of its star WNBA players are sidelined due to injuries. The team, which has set its sights on a medal, begins its group stage on September 4th against Spain, Japan, and Mali.

Satou Sabally, widely considered the best German player of her generation, has had a tumultuous season. The 28-year-old, who stands at 1.93m, played only 13 games for the Liberty before being placed in concussion protocol following an incident in June against the Las Vegas Aces. Her coach, Chris DeMarco, commented, "She will be away from the team for some time. This is her second significant head injury in 12 months." The Liberty has not provided a return date and recently announced Sabally will be taking an indefinite leave to recover.

Adding to Germany's concerns, Satou's sister, Nyara Sabally (1.96m, 26 years old), a center for the Toronto Tempo, suffered a calf muscle tear in mid-August. The Canadian franchise confirmed her unavailability for several weeks.

The situation is further complicated by Leo Fiebich (1.93m, 26 years old). The former Charleville player has not competed since July 3rd. She is just beginning to regain her form, and an imminent return to competition is unlikely. Coach DeMarco hopes she might play just before the international break, but nothing is guaranteed.

With the World Cup's group stage commencing on September 4th, Germany's ability to compete for a medal without its prominent WNBA talent remains a significant question. The clock is ticking.

English Translation:

Will Germany be without its WNBA players at the World Cup?

Germany's national basketball team faces a significant challenge for the upcoming World Cup as several of its star WNBA players are sidelined due to injuries. The team, which has set its sights on a medal, begins its group stage on September 4th against Spain, Japan, and Mali.

Satou Sabally, widely considered the best German player of her generation, has had a tumultuous season. The 28-year-old, who stands at 1.93m, played only 13 games for the Liberty before being placed in concussion protocol following an incident in June against the Las Vegas Aces. Her coach, Chris DeMarco, commented, "She will be away from the team for some time. This is her second significant head injury in 12 months." The Liberty has not provided a return date and recently announced Sabally will be taking an indefinite leave to recover.

Adding to Germany's concerns, Satou's sister, Nyara Sabally (1.96m, 26 years old), a center for the Toronto Tempo, suffered a calf muscle tear in mid-August. The Canadian franchise confirmed her unavailability for several weeks.

The situation is further complicated by Leo Fiebich (1.93m, 26 years old). The former Charleville player has not competed since July 3rd. She is just beginning to regain her form, and an imminent return to competition is unlikely. Coach DeMarco hopes she might play just before the international break, but nothing is guaranteed.

With the World Cup's group stage commencing on September 4th, Germany's ability to compete for a medal without its prominent WNBA talent remains a significant question. The clock is ticking.