2026 USA Women’s FIBA World Cup Team Roster Unveiled

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The lineup for the United States women’s FIBA World Cup team in 2026 has been released. The roster features prominent WNBA All-Stars. Some of the league’s elite are set to represent the nation.

Included on the team are Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Caitlin Clark (Fever), Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Kahleah Copper (Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta Dream), Kelsey Plum (Mercury), Angel Reese (Dream), Breanna Stewart (Liberty), A’ja Wilson (Aces), and Jackie Young (Aces).

The makeup of the roster is pretty straightforward, said USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird. We want a good mixture of experience and youth. This combination prepares us for the future. It also creates a cohesive team that complements each other and can win gold.

Bird emphasized that the ultimate goal remains winning gold. The roster selections were made with that aim in mind. She highlighted the importance of forming a team that can execute national team coach Kara Lawson’s playing style effectively.

The roster, while impressive, did not include some expected names. Notable players such as New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas were omitted. Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell’s absence was particularly controversial.

The fan response to Mitchell’s exclusion was vocal and passionate:

No Kelsey Mitchell is diabolical, one fan commented.
To not have Kelsey Mitchell on this roster is criminal and I don’t even like the Fever, another fan said.
WHERE THE HELL IS KELSEY MITCHELL?????????? exclaimed a third fan.
The fact that Kelsey Mitchell is not on this roster is why I don’t watch, said another fan.
How is Kelsey Mitchell not on this roster? asked one user.
Where is Kelsey Mitchell? Do they even watch women’s basketball? 🏀 Do numbers not matter? another questioned.
Why no Kelsey Mitchell? I plead ignorance on how this works, another fan replied.