WNBL pair help Aussies qualify for World Cup

Australia's under-23 women's team, headlined by Adelaide's Tayla Brazel and Townsville's Catelyn Van Es, have punched their World Cup ticket after winning the FIBA 3x3 Youth Nations League 2026 – Asia West/Pacific.

The Aussies, which also featured former Sydney Flame Carla Pitman and the University of California's Lulu Twidale, opened their Aug 20-26 tournament with Stop One victories over Qatar (21-2), Turkmenistan (21-3) and Bahrain (21-8).

The women backed it up with Stop Two triumphs against Singapore (21-10), Turkmenistan (21-3) and Bahrain (21-6).

Australia also swept all three victories during Stops Three, Four and Five.

The green and gold wrapped up the tournament with Stop Six victories over Qatar (21-0), Bahrain (21-3) and Singapore (21-10), to secure their spot at the World Cup, which will be held in China from September 15-19.

The Aussie men's team, featuring Devan Craig, Keegan Phillips, Griffin Biwer and Will Mahoney, also booked their spot at the World Cup after dominating their fixtures in Singapore.