Women’s basketball continues to consolidate its position as one of the fastest-growing sports disciplines in 2024, according to the latest FIBA World Youth Ranking, presented by Nike. The United States remains the undisputed leader, while teams such as Spain, Japan, Italy and Portugal have made significant advances. This outlook reflects the global rise of the youth category and the growing investment in development programs.
The USA reaffirms its supremacy with an impeccable performance this year. After a dominant 7-0 record at the U17 World Cup in Mexico and their victory at the AmeriCup U18, the Americans are consolidating their position as the leading exponents of youth women’s basketball. This dominance not only guarantees their position, but also reinforces their role as a global reference.
SPAIN AND JAPAN SHINE
Spain is one of the most notable risers, reaching second place in the ranking, moving up two positions. This achievement is based on an outstanding performance that included a bronze medal at the U17 World Championship, a silver medal at the U18 EuroBasket and a third place at the U16 EuroBasket. The bet on young talent and the robust federative structure are paying off for the Spaniards.
Japan, meanwhile, is celebrating its rise to sixth place, climbing three positions. Their solid campaign at the U17 World Cup and the bronze medal at the U18 Asia Cup have been key to this progress. The Asian country is proving that its commitment to innovation in the game can place it among the best in the world.
ITALY, SERBIA AND PORTUGAL
Italy is on the verge of the top 10 after climbing four positions to eleventh place. This advance has been boosted by its participation in the U17 World Cup, surpassing traditional teams such as Germany and Croatia. Serbia, meanwhile, climbs three places to 13th, thanks to its bronze medal at EuroBasket U18.
Portugal stands out as the team with the biggest rise in the top 20, climbing six places to 17th place. The Portuguese fans celebrated a memorable performance in Matosinhos, where the team achieved a fifth place finish at the U18 EuroBasket and secured its qualification to the U19 World Championship in 2025.
GLOBAL GROWTH OF WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
Beyond the top 20, teams such as Israel and New Zealand have also recorded significant gains. Israel climbed nine places to 23rd after reaching the EuroBasket U18 semifinals, while New Zealand climbed seven places, consolidating its position in 24th place.
The most impressive case was Rwanda, which moved up 23 places to 45th, thanks to reaching the quarterfinals of AfroBasket U18. This kind of progress highlights the development of women’s basketball in regions such as Africa, where youth programs are beginning to show visible results.
