Is France Team USA’s Biggest World Cup Threat?

French talent is making a major impact in the WNBA — and now some of those same players could stand in Team USA’s way at the FIBA World Cup. Sabreena and Annie are joined by Eden Laase to break down the growing pipeline of French players to the WNBA, what’s made the league an increasingly attractive destination, and whether that experience could help France pull off a World Cup upset. Before Eden joins, Sabreena and Annie discuss the latest developments surrounding Kate Koval’s departure from LSU following the program’s recruitment of a Russian player, which left Koval without a new landing spot as the NCAA transfer window closed before she could make her move. They also break down the passport issue that has kept Li Yueru from playing for Team China, before turning to Satou Sabally being ruled out for the remainder of the season and what that could mean for her future and the New York Liberty. Finally, the trio look beyond Team USA and France to preview the rest of the FIBA World Cup field, highlighting the teams and players they’ll be watching closely throughout the tournament. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/news... 00:00 Intro 01:38 What led to Kate Koval leaving LSU? 06:42 Li Yueru will miss the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 11:30 Satou Sabally officially out for the rest of the season 16:04 The inspiration behind France’s WNBA influx 17:54 How Marine Johannès navigated international challenges 24:32 France concerns with players choosing other leagues 28:38 WNBA expansion open doors for international talent 29:55 Inside Team France’s success 32:05 Understanding INSEP institute in France 33:40 Analyzing France's chances in the World Cup 39:09 Who can make things interesting for Team USA? 44:46 Teams to watch outside the favorites Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7560... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7559... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7561... https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7560... Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [  / tanooffseason  ] -TikTok: @no_offseason [  / no_offseason  ] Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Layshia on IG: @layshiac -Annie on X: @anniecostabile -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sport... Full Episodes Playlist:    • Full Episodes | No Offseason: The Athletic...   Shorts Playlist:    • Shorts   Thumbnail: Armand Lenoir / Contributor / FIBA via Getty Images