Sami out, Sowah in: Miela earns World Cup call-up

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Miela Sowah is going to a World Cup.

The Townsville Fire guard has been called into the Opals squad for the FIBA Women's World Cup in Berlin, replacing captain Sami Whitcomb, who withdrew on Thursday with knee soreness.

Basketball Australia confirmed Whitcomb's withdrawal earlier in the day. The 38-year-old has managed inflammation in the knee throughout the year and missed part of the 2026 WNBA season as a precaution. Berlin would have been her third World Cup after 2018 and 2022.

Sowah, 26, is a Queenslander and a WNBL champion with Townsville, who swept Perth in the grand final series in March for the club's fifth title. She is on the Golden State Valkyries roster in the WNBA.

"Miela gives us another genuine scoring threat and is one of the best shooters in the WNBL," Opals coach Sandy Brondello said.

"Her ability to stretch the floor, attack close-outs and play with confidence gives us another important offensive weapon.

"Being in the WNBA environment challenges you defensively and she's thriving with her decision-making and overall understanding of the game. She's added confidence and expanded her ability to impact the game in different ways.

"I think we'll see that growth shine through in Berlin."

Sowah was part of the Opals side that won gold at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup and joins several of that group in Germany. The squad travels this weekend.

The Opals open their World Cup against Puerto Rico on Friday, September 4, at 7:30pm AEST.