Paris 2024 women's basketball: Olympic semi-final preview, full schedule and how to watch live
With just four games left to decide the medals in women’s basketball at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the semi-finals promise to be thrillers.
France and Belgium advanced to their semi-final matchup with dominant performances from both teams in their respective Wednesday, 7 August quarter-finals. Emma Meesseman led Belgium to a 79-66 win over Spain, delivering 19 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, while France beat Spain 84-71 behind Marine Johannes’ 24 points, including five three-pointers.
With France playing on a home court and Belgium a short train trip away, the Bercy Arena promises to be loud, no matter which team has the lead.
The United States and Australia, meanwhile, have a long history in women’s basketball, having faced each other in three Olympic gold-medal games. Several Australian players play alongside Team USA players in the WNBA. Sandy Brondello, the Opals’ head coach, is also Breanna Stewart’s and Sabrina Ionescu’s coach for the New York Liberty in the WNBA. Cheryl Reeve, Team USA’s coach, is also the skipper for the Aussies’ Alanna Smith in the WNBA.
When these two teams play, they will both bring their best. Australia is one of the few teams with the height that can match up with the USA in the paint, so it will be interesting to see how Reeve adjusts their game plan.
Basketball stars to watch in Paris 2024 basketball semi-finals
Emma Meesseman, Belgium
During the Olympic Qualifying Tournament earlier this year, USA coach Reeve called Meesseman one of the best players in the world. Meesseman has backed that up during these Olympics, leading Belgium throughout and particularly giving a memorable performance in Wednesday's 79-66 quarter-final win over Spain. Her presence will be important for Belgium to stop France’s aggressive offence.
Gabby Williams, France
Defence will be imperative for the French team to stop Belgium, and Gabby Williams is really, really good at disrupting offences. She’s averaging 3.5 steals per game, and does work that does not show up on a box score.
Sabrina Ionescu, USA
Australia does have height in players like Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith, so the USA will need their perimeter shooters. Against Japan, Ionescu went 4-7 from the three-point arc, and her team will need her to get hot again.
Alanna Smith, Australia
Standing at 6-foot-3 (190 cm), Smith is a tough player in the paint. She can score and rebound, as well as make space for teammate Magbegor’s trademark blocks. The Opals will need her to stand strong in the post against such USA stars as Stewart and A’ja Wilson.
Women’s basketball semifinals schedule for Paris 2024
Friday, 9 August
All times EDT.
11:30 a.m. USA vs. Australia
3:00 p.m. France vs. Belgium
How to watch women’s basketball semi-finals at Paris 2024 live
All the action from Paris 2024, including basketball, can be watched via media rights holders (MRHs).
MRHs include Nine in Australia, Globo in Brazil, CBC Gem in Canada, CCTV in People's Republic of China, Fuji TV/NHK/Nippon TV/TBS/TV Asahi/TV Tokyo in Japan, SKY NZ in New Zealand, SuperSport in South Africa, NBC in the United States and Discovery Eurosport across Europe, alongside France Télévisions in France, ARD/ZDF in Germany and BBC Sport in the United Kingdom, among others.
Check listings in other regions for your local broadcaster.