In a bold and electrifying start to the season, the No. 7-ranked Duke Blue Devils are charging into the spotlight—this time on the global stage. Opening their campaign in Paris, the team is primed to deliver a spectacle, setting the tone for what promises to be a season of ambition, intensity, and prestige.
From the moment the Blue Devils touch down in France, the message is clear: Duke is not here simply to participate—they’re here to dominate. With a season-opening showdown against a top-20 opponent, the stakes couldn’t be higher and the opportunity couldn’t be more grand. The international setting adds a dramatic flourish, amplifying the pressure and the promise in equal measure.
Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Kara Lawson, Duke enters the opener off a historic run. The program boasts an all-time season-opener record of 43-10 and has won its last six opening games. That kind of consistency reflects a culture of excellence that the Blue Devils have built—and are looking to reinforce. Returning approximately 70 % of their core players, including veteran All-ACC selections, Duke has the experience and depth to back up their lofty ranking.
But make no mistake: this isn’t a comfortable cruise in the France sunshine. Duke knows that the opening bell is the moment to send a message. With nine regular-season games slated against preseason AP Top 25 opponents, the program has mapped out a gauntlet that ensures there will be no easing into the year. Paris is merely the launchpad.
The atmosphere in Paris will be electric. This marks Duke’s first season-opening game held outside the United States, adding a new dimension of excitement, logistics and global exposure. The backdrops, the global media attention, the unfamiliar setting—all of it heightens the moment and demands focus, discipline and poise. It’s a test of character as much as it is of talent.
For the players, this is a chance to make their mark. The veterans know the expectations; the newcomers carry the hunger. The synergies between seasoned contributors and fresh talent will dictate how smoothly Duke transitions from off-season promise into in-season performance. Coach Lawson and her staff have emphasized that cohesion and identity will define this team. The opener is where that identity begins to take shape in real time.
Off the court, the Blue Devils are embracing the broader mission of sport. The Paris trip includes cultural exploration and community engagement—underscoring that Duke’s ambitions extend beyond the hardwood. This dual focus—athletic triumph and global citizenship—aligns with the program’s expansive vision.
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, there’s an unmistakable sense that the season is already in motion. Whether the Blue Devils deliver a dominant performance or navigate a gritty battle, the result in Paris will set the tone. If Duke emerges victorious, it will be a clarion call to the rest of the nation: they’re serious contenders. If they stumble, there will still be time to recalibrate—but the message will have been sent
In the end, the opener in Paris is more than just one game. It is the first chapter of a story Duke intends to write in bold, dramatic strokes. With experience, expectation and global stage converging, the Blue Devils stand ready to roar. The world is watching—let the season begin.
