A'ja Wilson Sits Out FIBA World Cup Qualifying for Team USA

WNBA MVP's absence allows coach to evaluate younger players ahead of 2028 Olympics

Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The United States women's national basketball team roster for the FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament this week does not include A'ja Wilson, the WNBA's four-time MVP. Wilson's absence is not a cause for concern, as it is common for established stars like Wilson and Breanna Stewart to sit out mid-cycle tournaments to allow the coaching staff to evaluate younger players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Wilson's absence from the qualifying tournament provides an opportunity for up-and-coming players to gain valuable national team experience, which will be crucial in building depth for the 2028 Olympic roster. While Wilson's presence would undoubtedly strengthen the team, her rest and recovery are more important at this stage of the cycle.

The details

Team USA managing director Sue Bird and head coach Kara Lawson opted not to select Wilson for the qualifying tournament roster, which will compete in San Juan, Puerto Rico from March 11-17. This decision allows the coaching staff to get a closer look at players like Bueckers, Clark, and Reese, as well as veterans Monique Billings and Dearica Hamby, ahead of the 2023 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

  • The FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament takes place from March 11-17, 2026 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
  • The 2023 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup will be held from September 4-13 in Germany.

The players

A'ja Wilson

The WNBA's four-time MVP who plays for the Las Vegas Aces, but is not participating in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament.

Sue Bird

The managing director of the United States women's national basketball team.

Kara Lawson

The head coach of the United States women's national basketball team.

Caitlin Clark

A young player making her national team debut for the United States.

Angel Reese

A young player making her national team debut for the United States.

Paige Bueckers

A young player making her national team debut for the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The United States women's national basketball team will compete in the 2023 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Germany from September 4-13.

The takeaway

A'ja Wilson's absence from the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament allows the coaching staff to evaluate younger players who will be crucial in building depth for the 2028 Olympic roster, while Wilson's rest and recovery remain the priority at this stage of the cycle.