A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart headline U.S. women's basketball roster for FIBA World Cup
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- The U.S. women's basketball roster for the September FIBA World Cup features Olympic MVPs A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, alongside 2024 Olympic gold medalists and emerging talents like Aliyah Boston and Paige Bueckers.
- National team managing director Sue Bird, in her first major tournament role since May 2025, emphasized the blend of experienced and young players to balance present success with future Olympic preparations.
- Notable absences include Brittney Griner, sidelined by injury, and veterans Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, and Alyssa Thomas, who participated in recent Olympic and World Cup events.
- The U.S. team has an impressive winning streak, having won its last 66 games in Olympic and World Cup play since 2006, and holds the record for eight consecutive Olympic gold medals in team sports.
- The World Cup opens on September 4 with the U.S. facing China, a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final where the U.S. won 83-61, under the leadership of head coach Kara Lawson.
