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USA Basketball Names 12-Player Roster for 2026 Berlin World Cup

8/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

USA Basketball announced a 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
Managing director Sue Bird listed veterans Wilson, Stewart and Collier plus debutants Clark, Bueckers, Reese and Boston.
Team USA will play in Group D with China, Italy and Czechia from Sept. 4-13, 2026 while the WNBA pauses Aug. 30-Sept. 17, 2026.
Olivia Miles, Sabrina Ionescu and Alyssa Thomas were omitted from the roster.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 the United States women’s basketball team won its third Olympic gold in Atlanta, going 6-0 and beating Brazil 111–87, a performance later honored with Hall-of-Fame induction scheduled for August 15 2026. That triumph helped launch the WNBA and cemented USA Basketball’s dominance, a legacy echoed in Sue Bird’s 2026 World Cup roster selection that blends veterans and newcomers.

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Story summary

USA Basketball announced a 12-player roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
Managing director Sue Bird listed veterans Wilson, Stewart and Collier plus debutants Clark, Bueckers, Reese and Boston.
Team USA will play in Group D with China, Italy and Czechia from Sept. 4-13, 2026 while the WNBA pauses Aug. 30-Sept. 17, 2026.
Olivia Miles, Sabrina Ionescu and Alyssa Thomas were omitted from the roster.

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