Marième Badiane to Miss Euro Prep Games in Brest

Why this matters: Badiane's absence from the preparation matches may impact the team's readiness for the EuroBasket tournament. The absence of key players focusing on the WNBA highlights the scheduling conflicts between the two leagues.

Marième Badiane, a key player for the French national team, will not be returning to Brest for the EuroBasket preparation matches against Belgium. Currently playing in the WNBA for the Minnesota Lynx, Badiane will join the French team later, during their training camp at INSEP on June 8. This means she will miss the two preparation games scheduled for June 3 and 4 at the Arena in Brest.

Four other players have also announced their withdrawal from the EuroBasket tournament to concentrate on the ongoing WNBA season. Gabby Williams (Seattle), Dominique Malonga (Seattle), Carla Leïte (Golden State), and Marine Johannès (New York) have all decided to prioritize their WNBA commitments. This decision underscores the growing importance of the WNBA and the challenges faced by players balancing commitments in both leagues. The EuroBasket Women 2025 is scheduled to take place in Athens, Greece, from June 18 to 29.

She is currently playing in the WNBA and will join the French team later.

Gabby Williams, Dominique Malonga, Carla Leïte, and Marine Johannès.

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