Story perspectives

A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum Withdraw From Team USA

9/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Four days before the opener, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and guard Kelsey Plum withdrew from the U.S. women's team.
Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were added to replace the departing veterans on the 12-player roster.
The roster includes rising stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese alongside veteran Breanna Stewart.
Team USA will practice together for only two days before opening against China at 8:15 a.m. ET on Friday.

History

Historical Context

In 1996, the U.S. women’s basketball team clinched Olympic gold in Atlanta after a last-minute roster overhaul. USA Basketball replaced injured veteran Lisa Leslie with rookie Tamika Catchings, expanding the 12-player squad to a 10-day intensive camp costing $2 million. Similarly, 2024 sees four-time MVP A’ja Wilson and guard Kelsey Plum exit the national roster, prompting rapid inclusion of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. These abrupt changes test team cohesion, echoing 1996’s triumph that proved limited preparation can still yield dominant international performance.

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Story summary

Four days before the opener, four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson and guard Kelsey Plum withdrew from the U.S. women's team.
Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were added to replace the departing veterans on the 12-player roster.
The roster includes rising stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese alongside veteran Breanna Stewart.
Team USA will practice together for only two days before opening against China at 8:15 a.m. ET on Friday.

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