Duke Blue Devils Women’s Basketball to Open 2025 Season in Paris With Historic Four-Team International Showcase Event

The Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team is packing more than just talent for next season—they’re packing their bags for Paris. In a major international showcase that is set to elevate the women’s college basketball landscape, Duke will join three other powerhouse programs to open the 2025 season in the City of Light.

The Blue Devils, one of the most respected programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are no strangers to high-profile matchups and primetime stages. But this upcoming opportunity represents something far more global and culturally significant. For the first time in program history, Duke will travel to Europe to participate in a multi-team international event that marks a new chapter in women’s college basketball.

Joining Duke in Paris will be the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Connecticut Huskies, and the Louisville Cardinals—three perennial national contenders who have each made deep tournament runs and captured the spotlight of March Madness in recent years. The event, tentatively named the “2025 Women’s Basketball Global Tip-Off,” is scheduled for early November and will feature two doubleheader matchups over a three-day span at the Accor Arena, one of Paris’s most iconic venues.

This unprecedented event is being organized in partnership with ESPN, the NCAA, and French basketball officials, with the goal of globalizing women’s college basketball while celebrating athletic excellence and cultural exchange. The games will be televised nationally in the United States and streamed internationally, reaching fans across continents and offering a powerful platform for the sport.

For Duke head coach Kara Lawson, the invitation to compete on such a prestigious stage is a tremendous honor—and a challenge she welcomes. Lawson, who has brought a professional mentality and relentless work ethic to the Blue Devils since taking the reins in 2020, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity.

“We’re thrilled to represent Duke and the ACC on an international stage,” Lawson said. “Paris is a global capital, and this event is a great step forward for the game of women’s basketball. Our players are excited to compete against the best and experience a different culture while doing what they love.”

Indeed, the experience promises to be transformative for players and fans alike. Not only will it offer elite competition right out of the gate, but it will also serve as a cultural enrichment journey for student-athletes. The four teams are scheduled to participate in community engagement events, cultural tours, and youth clinics while in France, helping promote women’s sports and cross-cultural understanding.

Duke’s roster for the 2025-26 season features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, and many will be making their international debuts during the trip. Among the names to watch are sophomore guard Kennedy Brown, an explosive scorer who made waves during her freshman campaign, and forward Laila Campbell, whose versatility and rebounding prowess will be vital against top-tier competition like South Carolina and UConn.

There’s also anticipation around freshman phenom Sienna Wallace, a McDonald’s All-American who turned down offers from Pac-12 and SEC powerhouses to wear the blue and white. The Paris trip gives Wallace an immediate chance to showcase her game on a stage as big as any the NCAA can offer.

“This is the kind of moment you dream about when you commit to play at a place like Duke,” Wallace said in a team-released video. “Not just competing against the best, but doing it in Paris? It’s unreal.”

From a strategic standpoint, the early season tests will be invaluable. Facing off against national title contenders right out of the gate offers all four programs a brutally honest look at their strengths and areas for improvement. For Duke, a team looking to break through to its first Final Four appearance since 2006, it’s an ideal measuring stick.

Last season, the Blue Devils made noise in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to eventual national champion South Carolina. That experience, combined with a grueling ACC schedule and the leadership of Coach Lawson, has helped build a roster that’s battle-tested and hungry for more.

“Paris isn’t just about the sights—it’s about the competition,” said senior guard Jordan Crenshaw. “We’re going there to win games and set the tone for what we hope will be a special season.”

The Paris event is already drawing comparisons to the early-season showcases in men’s basketball, such as the Champions Classic and the Maui Invitational. But this endeavor goes a step further, expanding the game’s footprint globally and affirming the growing international interest in women’s sports.

Over the past five years, women’s college basketball has seen exponential growth in TV ratings, social media engagement, and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities. Programs like Duke, UConn, and South Carolina have become household names, and their stars—many of whom go on to play in the WNBA or overseas—are inspiring a new generation of athletes.

By taking the sport to Paris, the NCAA is sending a powerful message: Women’s basketball isn’t just rising—it’s ready for the world.

French basketball officials and local organizers have embraced the initiative with open arms. A large turnout is expected, with fans from across Europe expressing interest. Local schools and basketball academies in Paris are planning field trips to the games, giving young players a firsthand look at elite American college basketball.

“This is more than an exhibition,” said François Martin, director of the French Basketball Federation. “It’s a celebration of women’s sports, education, and international friendship. We are honored to welcome Duke and the other great programs to Paris.”

From the logistical side, the teams will arrive in Paris a week before tip-off to acclimate, train, and participate in public relations activities. Coaches will attend a global basketball summit hosted by FIBA, while players are expected to visit landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral during off days.

For fans, the event represents a unique opportunity to blend sports with culture and travel. Travel packages offered by agencies in Durham, Columbia, Storrs, and Louisville have already sold out. Duke’s alumni base in Europe, including former players now in professional leagues overseas, is also expected to attend in full force.

As the countdown begins, the buzz surrounding the Women’s Basketball Global Tip-Off only continues to grow. It’s not just the start of a new season—it’s a bold step into a new era for the sport.

And for Duke, it’s a chance to prove that their brand of basketball travels just as well as their loyal fanbase.

“We’re ready,” said Coach Lawson. “Paris is just the beginning.”