The United States has released its roster for the 2026 Women’s FIBA World Cup. This team includes many top WNBA All-Stars.
The selected players are Aliyah Boston from the Indiana Fever, Paige Bueckers from the Dallas Wings, Caitlin Clark also from the Fever, Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, Kahleah Copper from the Mercury, Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces, Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream, Kelsey Plum also of the Mercury, Angel Reese from the Dream, Breanna Stewart of the Liberty, A’ja Wilson from the Aces, and Jackie Young also representing the Aces.
Sue Bird, managing director of the USA Basketball Women’s National Team, explained, The makeup of the roster is pretty straightforward. We aim for a balanced mixture of experience and youth; this not only prepares us for the future but also ensures that the team can collaborate well and win gold.
She emphasized, Our decisions focus on forming a cohesive team that can implement national team coach Kara Lawson’s style and achieve success.
Despite the impressive line-up, there were notable players who did not make the roster. New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas were not included. Notably, Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell’s absence sparked significant fan reactions online.
One fan commented,
No Kelsey Mitchell is diabolical.Another added,
To not have Kelsey Mitchell on this roster is criminal and I don’t even like the Fever.An enthusiastic supporter exclaimed,
WHERE THE HELL IS KELSEY MITCHELL??????????Others remarked,
The fact that Kelsey Mitchell is not on this roster is why I don’t watch,andHow is Kelsey Mitchell not on this roster?Another user questioned,
Where is Kelsey Mitchell? Do they even watch women’s basketball? Do numbers not matter?A different fan expressed confusion,
Why no Kelsey Mitchell? I plead ignorance on how this works.
The debate highlights the intense interest and passion surrounding the selection process for the national team.