The U.S. women’s wheelchair basketball team has secured the world championship title, setting the stage for a promising performance at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. This victory marks their first world title since 2010. The team clinched the championship by defeating host Canada in a thrilling 77-76 final held in Ottawa.
With the score tied, Courtney Ryan made a decisive free throw with 20.8 seconds remaining. Canada was unable to capitalize on their next possession and fouled Ixhelt Gonzalez, who missed both subsequent free throws. However, Canada failed to attempt a shot in their final opportunity.
Lindsey Zurbrugg led the U.S. team with an impressive 26 points. Rose Hollermann and Courtney Ryan contributed significantly with 17 points each, with Ryan nearly achieving a triple-double, recording nine assists and eight rebounds.
The U.S. women had previously won gold at the Rio 2016 Paralympics, followed by a bronze in Tokyo and a silver in Paris. The current championship roster included 11 out of 12 players with prior Paralympic experience. Notable players were Rose Hollermann and Becca Murray from the Rio 2016 team.
Arelle Middleton, the team’s youngest member at 18, brought her Paralympic experience from track and field. She had earned a silver medal in the F64 shot put at the 2024 Games.
Historically strong in the sport, the Netherlands, winner of the previous two world and Paralympic titles, were defeated by Canada in the semifinals.
In the men’s wheelchair basketball tournament, Australia and Italy are set to compete in the final. The match is scheduled for Saturday at 4:45 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on Peacock.
The U.S. men’s team, traditionally successful with medals from the previous 13 World Championships dating back to 1975, faced a setback with a quarterfinal loss to Germany.
Looking ahead to the Los Angeles Paralympics, the U.S. wheelchair rugby team aims to secure its first Paralympic title since 2008, entering the games as the reigning world champion.