The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will not see A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark play together for Team USA. Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, withdrew from participating on Monday due to health and injury concerns.
On Thursday, a legendary American sports analyst speculated that Wilson left due to fan-favorite Clark’s presence, a statement that drew mixed reactions from the WNBA world.
WNBA Community Divided As Linda Cohn Suggests A’ja Wilson Left FIBA World Cup To Avoid Caitlin Clark’s Spotlight
On the “Linda Cohn Show,” the former longtime “SportsCenter” anchor theorized that Wilson backed out to avoid “the next couple of weeks watching the World Cup become the Caitlin Clark show.”
Cohn conjectured that with Clark dominating the scene everywhere she goes, the Las Vegas Aces superstar might not want to deal with that.
Will Team USA miss Aja Wilson?? Or will Wilson regret not playing thru her “health reasons” to help Caitlin Clark and company. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JMZsQzIPUV
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) September 4, 2026
Unsurprisingly, Cohn’s hypothesis split the WNBA community.
“Perfectly said,” a sports observer tweeted.
Perfectly said https://t.co/xhdvEAUFxn
— Jason (@letstalkksports) September 4, 2026
“Linda always hits it right on the head!! She has the best channel out right now,” the same user doubled down on his remark.
“I don’t think she’s injured either, to be honest,” a WNBA supporter added.
“Linda Cohn is right. If A’ja Wilson is the GOAT like she claims, why ditch Caitlin Clark and Team USA to represent the American flag at the 11th hour?” an X user jumped on the same point.
Linda Cohn is right.
If A’ja Wilson is the GOAT like she claims, why ditch Caitlin Clark and Team USA to represent the American flag at the 11th hour? https://t.co/M35ha1hZvI
— Park Mu-Doon (@parkmudoon) September 4, 2026
Not everyone, though, agreed with Cohn.
“Please keep A’ja Wilson’s name out of your mouth!” a New York sports fan reacted.
“The disrespect to Aj’a and CC need to stop. Do better. Both r superstars of their own,” another WNBA supporter commented.
The disrespect to Aja and CC need to stop. Do better. Both r superstars of their own.
— Honey (@FlowerlySuki) September 4, 2026
“Linda Cohn, WHAT THE (EXPLETIVE) ARE YOU SAYING?!” a Philly sports fan questioned Cohn.
In 11 games in August for the Aces, Wilson averaged 25.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.1 blocks in 32.7 minutes per outing. Neither USA Basketball nor the Aces officially detailed the reason for her sitting out the tournament.
Meanwhile, Clark is one of Wilson’s closest pursuers in the WNBA MVP race. Last month, the Indiana Fever guard averaged 24.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 9.4 apg, and 1.1 spg. According to Cohn, news outlets already consider Clark the biggest global draw among the American contingent.
USA Basketball announced Wilson’s withdrawal on Monday, with Kiki Iriafen, who played in March’s qualifiers in Puerto Rico, replacing her.
Without her, the Americans remain heavy favorites to win yet another gold medal. Clark, the MVP in Puerto Rico, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers, Aliyah Boston, Chelsea Gray, and Jackie Young are expected to lead Kara Lawson’s stacked lineup.
Wilson’s withdrawal has naturally fueled discussion, but the official details surrounding her decision remain limited. Team USA now moves forward without one of its biggest stars as the tournament gets underway in Berlin.
