In many people's eyes, the FIBA World Cup may be a hindrance to the WNBA calendar; however, the talent on display in this tournament is spectacular. Japan's exhilarating win against Mali captured the imagination of many basketball fans. This phenomenal matchup showcased hidden gems in the league and across the globe that many franchises refuse to give ample opportunity to.
Japan's national team made history during their electric 102-97 victory over Mali -- sinking 20 3-point attempts to set a single-game record in the competition. Additionally, Saki Hayashi drained nine shots from deep to set her own single-game record. While the Golden State Valkyries third-round pick Kokoro Tanaka tallied 18 points in 20 minutes of action, despite not featuring in the WNBA this season due to international commitments.
JAPAN WITH 20 THREE-POINTERS MADE TO OPEN WORLD CUP WITH A WIN 🤯 #FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/DY4aXbBMhX
— FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup (@FIBAWWC) September 4, 2026
The FIBA World Cup is already providing devoted WNBA fans with a prime opportunity to spectate a variety of basketball cultures. Team USA may dominate the headlines, but there are supremely talented stars scattered all over the globe that bias may prevent supporters from acknowledging. Even WNBA franchises favour homegrown options over international players. A shift in habits could enhance the league's standards even further.
The WNBA must embrace international talent
Homegrown talent will always take priority in the WNBA, which, of course, is the correct decision. The NCAA is a wonderful system that has provided the league with talents such as Diana Taurasi, A'ja Wilson, and now Caitlin Clark. These few examples prove that the college route works perfectly. However, in the expansion era, globalisation of the sport is key, and providing international stars with a platform to showcase their abilities will only help elevate the league further.
Japan is the perfect example of a talented basketball nation whose players deserve more exposure at the highest level. As previously mentioned, Tanaka has yet to play a minute in the WNBA due to overseas commitments. Whether this was a personal decision or the organisation didn't believe she was capable of making an impact is another discussion entirely. Tanaka's 18-point, 7-assist performance suggests she is ready for the next level.
Mai Yamamoto may have registered five turnovers during the victory, but her steely showing should put her at the forefront of the Las Vegas Aces' thinking. The 5-foot-5 guard has appeared 10 times for the Aces this year and averaged 15.2 minutes per game. Yet, with 20 minutes on the floor for Japan, Yamamoto scored 10 points, three assists, one steal, and one block, highlighting her incredibly versatile skill set.
Finally, the record-breaking Saki Hayashi. The Japanese star recorded 27 points in 23 minutes as she drained nine shots from deep. Which WNBA franchise does she play for, I hear you ask? She doesn't. Hayashi is currently employed by Fujitsu Red Wave in her native country. In fact, the 31-year-old has never been given an opportunity to feature at the highest level.
While it would be completely irrational to suggest Japan's roster should be given superstar status in the WNBA because of one victory over Mali in the FIBA World Cup, international players deserve a fairer opportunity in the league.
On too many occasions, we see the same players recycled, never able to find a franchise to call home. Yet, international stars are shelved and given limited minutes despite performing at a high level for their respective nations. Maybe a change in perspective could provide a new dimension to the ever-growing WNBA.
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