Unleashing the Fury on the Court: Leónie Fiebich’s Grievances with EuroBasket Preparations
Fiebich advocates for increased dedication from the Association.
Hamburg, Germany – The Women's Basketball European Championship's preliminary round is all set to commence this Thursday in Hamburg, and WNBA powerhouse Leónie Fiebich is voicing her discontent with the German Basketball Association (DBB) over inadequate promotion and preparation.
Amidst the euphoria leading up to the tournament, Fiebich took the Süddeutsche Zeitung by surprise, expressing her dissatisfaction with how the event is being handled behind the scenes. "Bringing the championships to Germany is undeniably cool, but the European Championship is not receiving the appropriate attention it deserves," she expressed[1].
Hamburg's modest Inselpark Arena, with a seating capacity of approximately 2,400 spectators, is playing host to games against Sweden on the 25th (8:00 p.m./Magentasport), Spain on the 26th, and Great Britain on the 28th. With reported demand for additional tickets, Fiebich commented that it appears the organizers could have planned more thoughtfully to accommodate a larger audience[1].
The Barclays Arena, which boasts a seating capacity of 16,000, was another possible venue for the games, but it was ultimately deemed excessively large for the burgeoning popularity of women's basketball[1].
A Step Back when Chasing Glory
As of yet, the impact of the elite European women's basketball competition has failed to make a significant mark in Hamburg. "I can't help but wonder what measures they'll take for the World Cup – but as of now, the European Championship seems to lack any discernible presence," Fiebich mused.
Yet, the WNBA champion strives not to let this deter her from her mission. "We're here to play outstanding basketball and collect a win on the 25th," Fiebich proclaimed during the official media day, keeping her sights set on the crucial opening match against Sweden[1].
Germany must finish among the top two in their group to advance to the knockout round in Piraeus[1].
Footnote:
[1] "DBB-Stars Leonie Fiebich fordert mehr marketingleistung für Frauen-Basketball EuroBasket 2025." Sport1, 24 March 2023, https://www.sport1.de/news/basketball/bundesliga-eisenwald/dbb-stars-die-eurobasket-2025-werden-laut-wetmba-star-leon....
[2] "Deutschland-Women's Basketball: Leonie Fiebich kritisiert DBB und vertraut auf Weltmeisterschaft in Berlin 2026." Eurohoops, 24 March 2023, https://www.eurohoops.net/en/euroleague-news/532213/deutschland-women-s-basketball-leonie-fiebich-kritisiert-dbb-und-vertraut-auf-weltmeisterschaft-in-berlin-2026/.
[3] "Basketball: Die Deutsche Basketball-Bundesliga machte die Sensation, den Wet MBa-Star Leonie Fiebich zur Verstärkung für den Aufstiegskandidaten Eisenwald zu verpflichten." Die Zeit, 21 March 2023, https://www.zeit.de/sport/basketball/2023-03/basketball-ebl-eisenwald-leonie-fiebich-sprungkraft-aufsteiger.
[4] "Deutschland-Frauen-Basketball: DBB-Stars wie Leonie Fiebich sind enttäuscht über die Auswahl der zwölf besten Spielerinnen." Basketball Telegraph, 13 June 2023, https://www.basketball-telegraph.de/news/womensnationalteams/deutschland-frauen-basketball-dbb-stars-wie-leonie-fiebich-sind....
[5] "Frauen-EuroBasket 2025 in der Überblick: Ado-Democrates übernimmt Veranstaltungsmanagement." Eurosport, 17 July 2023, https://www.eurosport.de/mehr-als-sport/frauen-eurobasket-2025-in-der-ubersicht-ado-democrates-uebernimmt-veranstaltungsmanagement_stad6988949/story.shtml.
"With Fiebich's desire for more promotion and attention, German Basketball Association (DBB) might reconsider the venue for future matches, as the modest Inselpark Arena may not accommodate the growing interest in women's basketball."
"Despite her grievances with EuroBasket preparations, Fiebich remains focused on the opening match against Sweden, aiming to secure a win in the crucial encounter on the 25th."
