The WNBA is set to go on a break as the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup takes place from September 4-13. Team USA was expected to feature A’ja Wilson as a key member of the team.
That changed this week when Wilson and Kelsey Plum announced they would be dropping out of the competition. This arguably puts Caitlin Clark in a position to carry Team USA as its go-to star.
Wilson’s departure has many analysts and commentators chiming in. That includes the outspoken Jason Whitlock, who shared his belief on why Wilson is no longer playing in the World Cup.
Analyst Reveals Strong Take on A’ja Wilson Leaving World Cup Roster
Whitlock discussed the situation on his show, “Fearless,” captioning the clip: “A’ja Wilson is sitting out the Women’s Basketball World Cup because she will get all the blame if Team USA loses and none of the praise if they win.”
A’ja Wilson is sitting out the Women’s Basketball World Cup because she will get all the blame if Team USA loses and none of the praise if they win. pic.twitter.com/InFFkWpWrm
— Jason Whitlock (@jasonwhitlock) September 1, 2026
Whitlock said Wilson’s reason for pulling out is because of a “nagging” back. Yet he believes there is another explanation for it. “Most people are not buying the back injury. This is not rest, this is a no-win she refused to enter.”
Whitlock went on to claim that many across social media have already proclaimed Clark the true WNBA MVP.
“In recent months, internet influencers have mounted a propaganda campaign that Caitlin Clark is the real MVP. On an international stage, Wilson is stepping out of the way and daring Clark to prove it,” he continued.
“This is a high-risk bet. Clark just might do it. She might do it and lead Team USA to the title and completely reimagine the MVP race.”
He aimed to make a point that if Wilson stayed and Team USA won it all, she would get no credit because they were supposed to. Now, Clark faces the same pressure to carry the team to the World Cup title. If she cannot, Wilson avoids being the one who couldn’t get it done.
“Team USA would not bend the offense to Caitlin Clark. That is a loaded board. Sitting is the only square that is not a trap. The Queen’s Gambit is the smartest play Wilson has.”
For Whitlock, Team USA’s success or failure could largely affect the WNBA MVP race, as Wilson aims to win her fifth MVP award and her third in three years.
The Las Vegas Aces star is leading in the league in scoring this season at 26 points per game, while Clark is third with 22.5.
A strong showing by Clark on the international stage, where Team USA women dominate, would put the Fever superstar in the spotlight as the regular season comes to a close. Whether that would be enough to overtake Wilson in the MVP race remains to be seen.
