Las Vegas Aces star and WNBA MVP frontrunner A’ja Wilson won’t be part of the Team USA roster headed to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. On Monday, USA Basketball announced its final roster, and Wilson’s name was missing. She reportedly pulled out due to a recurring back issue.
Wilson skipping the international tournament didn’t sit well with the WNBA world, attracting harsh reactions from fans.
A’ja Wilson’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Absence Sparks Backlash
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou detailed why Wilson won’t travel to Germany for the World Cup on X. Philippou revealed that the three-time WNBA champion has been dealing with a nagging back problem.
A’ja Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, has not been 100% for some time, a source close to the situation told ESPN, and there was a concern that the World Cup’s grueling schedule could exacerbate the situation. She popped up on the injury report twice in the last week with a back…
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 31, 2026
Wilson popped up on the Aces’ injury report twice in the last week, raising concerns that playing in the World Cup might make the issue worse.
However, the 30-year-old center has been top-notch throughout the WNBA season so far. Wilson has only missed three games and has consistently posted 25-plus-point scoring nights. She has also competed in two World Cups, boasting two gold medals and the 2022 MVP award.
Wilson’s experience would have brought immense value to an otherwise younger Team USA roster, giving the group a proven veteran presence on the international stage. So, the WNBA community had plenty to say about her sitting out the World Cup.
“That’s what happens when you stat pad, flop, and try too hard to draw fouls instead of just being an efficient shooter from all ranges,” one X user remarked, taking a dig at her playstyle.
that’s what happens when you stat pad, flop and try too hard to draw fouls instead of just being an efficient shooter from all ranges https://t.co/QZe5dq14WW
— Taelor Jae (@taelorjae) August 31, 2026
“She is just protecting her ego, that’s all,” another WNBA fan declared.
She is just protecting her ego that’s all. https://t.co/GHpNJx5ln8
— 💎JoeCSIII💎 (@jcsIII7980) August 31, 2026
Wilson is leading the league in both points per game (26.0) and blocks per game (2.0). She is the front-runner in the 2026 MVP race as well. But any absence during the last leg of the WNBA season and playoffs could significantly hamper her chances of winning her third straight MVP award and second consecutive WNBA title.
“Injury excuse already baked in for playoffs, well done A’ja,” one fan quipped.
One X user brought Caitlin Clark into the conversation, arguing that Wilson pulled out of the World Cup out of spite for the Indiana Fever star.
“Or she doesn’t like Caitlin Clark and doesn’t want to play with her. She’s afraid the little white girl will outshine her…. We know why,” the X user wrote.
Or she doesn’t like Caitlin Clark and doesn’t want to play with her. She’s afraid the little white girl will outshine her…. We know why https://t.co/OC5UTIbCqg
— Iraola Out Now!! (@Obedtwelve) August 31, 2026
“A’ja don’t want to be outshined by Caitlin Clark,” another Clark supporter weighed in.
Many WNBA fans also couldn’t digest the fact that Wilson stepped back due to recurring back issues, with some pointing to her extensive playing time as of late.
She is averaging 32.0 minutes per game through 37 appearances this season. In her last outing on Friday against the Toronto Tempo, Wilson played 30 minutes and scored 27 points.
“Nobody believes this [expletive]. She had the most minutes of any player in her last game. Give her credit. She does a great job being the face of a league of unlikable players. She sucks,” one X user commented.
“Played 30 minutes and made sure to hit them averages before coming out vs a bottom-tier team days ago. Let’s stop the cap !!!” another piled on.
🧢🧢🧢 played 30 minutes and made sure to hit them averages before coming out vs a bottom tier team days ago. Let’s stop the cap !!! 😂
— Lew Sid (@LewSidRaps) August 31, 2026
The Aces will next play on Sept. 17 against the Seattle Storm. That gives Wilson two-and-a-half weeks of rest and recovery ahead of the WNBA playoffs.
