FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis addressed the impact of Caitlin Clark and other new young players playing in the World Cup for the first time
Caitlin Clark ‘would sign up’ for potential WNBA game overseas after returning from World Cup
by Jackson Thompson · Fox NewsCaitlin Clark may already be prepared for another trip across the ocean.
The Indiana Fever star said she would welcome an opportunity to play a WNBA game overseas after recently returning from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
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"I think we’re just scratching the surface of where we can go globally," Clark told reporters following the Fever’s 103-85 victory over the Toronto Tempo on Friday. "I wouldn’t be surprised if next year you see a game played overseas of some sort. I would sign up for that. I think it’d be really good to help expand the WNBA, and I’m looking forward to that."
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The WNBA has not announced plans to hold a game in Europe next season, making Clark’s comments a prediction rather than confirmation of a league initiative.
Clark made her first appearance in a major international tournament this month while helping the United States win its fifth consecutive World Cup championship. Team USA defeated France 97-79 in the final Sunday in Berlin.
The tournament also offered Clark her first extended opportunity to play in Europe.
"That was the first time I’ve really played in Europe, and obviously basketball is really loved in Europe," Clark said. "It was fun to get to play in front of those fans."
Clark said she was particularly struck by the passion international players displayed while representing their countries.
"I think one of the biggest things I took away is how much pride those girls play with, especially the ones that are in the WNBA going to play for their home country," she said. "It means so much to them. I think that’s really cool, and they’ve done so much to help grow the game in their specific countries."
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The international influence within the WNBA has already reached record levels. According to the league, 51 foreign-born players had appeared in at least one game during the opening week of the 2026 season, setting a single-season record. A total of 70 current and former WNBA players later appeared on rosters for the World Cup.
The league’s geographic footprint has also expanded beyond the United States. The Tempo began play this season as the WNBA’s first Canadian franchise, joining the returning Portland Fire as the league grew to 15 teams. Franchises in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia are scheduled to begin play between 2028 and 2030, eventually bringing the league to 18 teams.
The WNBA played its first regular-season game outside the United States in Vancouver in 2025, but a game in Europe would further accelerate its international ambitions.
Clark saw evidence of the league’s reach throughout Team USA’s run in Germany.
"The amount of young kids and young fans that were super excited to see us was cool," Clark said.
Clark returned to WNBA action Friday and recorded 28 points and 14 assists in Indiana’s win over Toronto. Kelsey Mitchell scored 33 points and broke the league’s single-season scoring record during the victory.
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The Fever have three regular-season games remaining before the playoffs begin.
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson's reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.