WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers will make their major international debuts with the U.S. team at next month’s FIBA World Cup in Germany.
USA Basketball announced the 12-player women’s national team on Thursday, with Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston also among the first-timers joining veterans such as A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper and Rhyne Howard also will be part of the decorated squad looking to win a fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal and 12th overall.
“It’s great to have a team and to have a roster,” national team coach Kara Lawson said in a statement. “It’s been a long process to whittle it down to 12 players, and I think that speaks to just the talent we have in our country across the board. These 12 have earned it through their play and their consistency. I couldn’t be more excited about working with each of them, and I’ve had good experience with each of them. … I know what they’re capable of, and I know that this is a group that’s ready for the challenges that are ahead.”
The elite roster was assembled by national team managing director Sue Bird and approved by the USA Basketball board of directors.
“I’m so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team,” Bird said in a statement. “This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”
The U.S. squad heading to Berlin includes seven players who are under 30, including four 24-year-olds. Gray is the senior member of the team at 33.
The World Cup runs from Sept. 4-13, with the WNBA season on pause from Aug. 31-Sept. 16. The U.S. will face China on Sept. 4, Italy on Sept. 6 and the Czech Republic on Sept. 7 in group play before advancing to the knockout rounds.
–Field Level Media
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