USA Basketball has officially announced its 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, signaling a significant transition for the national program. The squad, headlined by WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, will travel to Berlin to compete for a fifth consecutive world title. The tournament is scheduled to take place from September 4-13, 2026.
The roster blends veteran experience with emerging talent. Returning Olympic gold medalists A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, Kahleah Copper, and Kelsey Plum provide the core stability, while Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston join the debutants to complete the lineup. Managing director Sue Bird, who oversaw the selection process for the first time, emphasized the depth of talent within the U.S. pool, noting that the decision-making process was particularly competitive.
“This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin,” Bird said. “Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility.”
The team will face China, Italy, and the Czech Republic during the opening pool play. To facilitate the participation of WNBA athletes, the league will pause its regular season for nearly three weeks. Head coach Kara Lawson will lead the team, which has already demonstrated chemistry during a qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico earlier this year.
Notable omissions from the roster include Sabrina Ionescu, with Bird confirming she personally communicated with players who were not selected. The program’s focus remains on balancing current dominance with the development of the next generation of international competitors.