Women’s basketball World Cup gains fans in Berlin
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In Berlin, Germany, the Women’s Basketball World Cup is attracting new fans as the German team advances to the semi-finals.
Until recently, many Berlin residents were unaware the tournament was taking place from September 4th to 13th, but the German team’s unexpected success in the quarter-finals against Belgium has increased interest. While the country has a strong basketball tradition with its men’s team, Germany is not yet widely considered a basketball nation.
The games initially took place in the smaller Max-Schmeling-Halle, but the knockout rounds moved to the larger Uber Arena where 10,500 people attended the quarter-final match against Belgium. Organizers created a lively atmosphere with music, a “kiss-cam,” and merchandise launched into the crowd. The German team’s performance, team spirit, and identity are inspiring more people to support them.
National player Alexandra Wilke noted the lack of female role models in basketball previously, but the rising popularity of US player Caitlin Clark is changing that, providing a new source of inspiration for young girls. Fans also showed support for German brothers Franz and Moritz Wagner, who play in the NBA and helped promote the women’s World Cup.
A dedicated fan block, largely composed of young men, enthusiastically supports the German players with songs and drumming, celebrating victories alongside the team.
