LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The excitement of women’s basketball is set to take center stage in Paris, as the No. 3 ranked USC, its rival No. 5 UCLA, along with No. 17 Louisville and No. 20 Ole Miss are all geared up for the Aflac Oui-Play doubleheader. This event marks the beginning of the women’s college basketball season, and they will all compete on a grand international setting.
This year, the stage is not only bright but also iconic. Following the thrilling Olympic gold medal match that saw Team USA face off against host country France, the anticipation surrounding this opening game is palpable. “This is a great opportunity for us,” expressed Ole Miss guard Kennedy Todd-Williams. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our skills. It’s the first game of the season and we aim to compete at a high level.”
The doubleheader will start with Ole Miss facing USC in Adidas Arena. Notably, the Trojans’ roster includes Associated Press preseason All-America talents JuJu Watkins and Kiki Iriafen. Following that matchup, UCLA will take on Louisville. This doubleheader builds on last year’s successful debut when South Carolina triumphed against Notre Dame, setting the tone for a thrilling championship run.
Last season, the South Carolina women captured the national title against Iowa, featuring the outstanding player Caitlin Clark. This game significantly attracted viewership, surpassing the men’s championship in TV ratings during a record-setting NCAA Tournament. The visibility of the sport has only been amplified by the impressive performances of athletes like Watkins, who enjoyed a remarkable freshman season, leading her team to a No. 1 seed before they faced a tough defeat to UConn in the Elite Eight.
The WNBA has also benefitted from the rising stardom of players such as Clark and Angel Reese. This culminated in a substantial audience of 2.2 million viewers tuning in for the decisive fifth game of the WNBA Finals featuring the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. Other games in the Finals also maintained a viewer count exceeding one million.
Louisville’s coach, Jeff Walz, acknowledges the surge in visibility for women’s basketball, noting the contrast compared to previous years. With 17 years of coaching experience, Walz has observed increasing interest not only at home but also abroad. He expressed enthusiasm for coaching on an international stage, particularly in light of how the women’s game has flourished recently. “The sheer talent in the game has led to its growth, and it will continue to expand on a global scale,” he stated.
As they anticipate their return to domestic matchups, the teams are focused on making a strong impression in this unique setting that also saw some conference reshuffling. USC and UCLA have transitioned from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, while Louisville’s Atlantic Coast Conference lineup now features transfers from the Pac-12. Ole Miss is bracing itself for challenges posed by Texas and Oklahoma, who have joined the SEC from the Big 12.
The matchups will take place at a modern 8,000-seat venue that serves as the home for the Euro League’s Paris Basketball, promising an exceptional experience complemented by sightseeing at renowned Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” remarked Louisville graduate guard Merissah Russell. “Playing at this elite level is something everyone dreams about. The thrill of not just competing in Paris but also experiencing its culture is incredible.”
