USA Basketball made waves this week, dropping September’s 12-player 2026 FIBA World Cup roster — tapping both debutants and veteran heavyweights.
Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Aliyah Boston will see their first major tournament. Meanwhile, seasoned Olympians Napheesa Collier, Rhyne Howard, and Jackie Young make their first World Cup appearances.
2022 World Cup champions Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson return to defend their title.
Several big names were left off, including Olympic gold medalist Sabrina Ionescu, Fever standout Kelsey Mitchell, and rookie phenom Olivia Miles.
The US has won a record 11 FIBA World Cup gold medals, including the last four tournaments.
“Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal,” Women’s National Team Managing Director Sue Bird said in USAB statement.
“I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”
The US opens group play against China on September 4th (TNT).
