U.S. Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team Triumphs at World Championship

The U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team emerged victorious at the world championship, setting the stage for the upcoming 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles as reigning champions. The team clinched the world title for the first time since 2010, narrowly defeating host Canada 77-76 in the final held in Ottawa.

With the score tied, Courtney Ryan made a crucial free throw with 20.8 seconds remaining. Canada’s missed attempt followed by a foul on Ixhelt Gonzalez with 5.1 seconds to go worked in the Americans’ favor. Despite Gonzalez missing both free throws, Canada was unable to capitalize on its last possession.

Key player Lindsey Zurbrugg led the scoring for the U.S. with 26 points. Rose Hollermann and Courtney Ryan contributed 17 points each. Ryan came close to achieving a triple-double, with nine assists and eight rebounds.

The team’s roster included 11 of 12 players with Paralympic wheelchair basketball experience, showcasing veterans like Hollermann and Becca Murray from the 2016 gold-winning team. Arelle Middleton, the youngest at 18, brings Paralympic track and field experience, having secured a silver medal in the F64 shot put at the 2024 Games.

The Netherlands had previously claimed both the past two world and Paralympic titles. However, Canada’s victory over the Dutch in the semifinals paved the way for the U.S. triumph.

In the men’s competition, Australia will compete against Italy in the final, airing on Peacock at 4:45 p.m. ET. The U.S. men’s team, though winners of the last three Paralympic titles, faced a setback with a quarterfinals loss to Germany but holds a long-standing history of medal-winning performances, dating back to the 1975 World Championships.

The U.S. wheelchair rugby team also enters the Los Angeles Paralympics with a world champion title, aiming for its first Paralympic gold since 2008.