The USA roster for next month’s FIBA World Cup has been revealed, with Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson headlining the star-studded team.
However, there was no room for Olivia Miles or Kelsey Mitchell in the USA roster, leaving the WNBA world stunned.
WNBA World Shocked As USA Basketball Leaves Out Olivia Miles and Kelsey Mitchell off World Cup Roster
Sue Bird announced the USA roster for the 2026 FIBA World Cup on the “Today” show on Thursday morning. Alexa Philippou of ESPN shared the roster on X.
“Breaking: USA Basketball announced its roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young,” she wrote.
Breaking: USA Basketball announced its roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 6, 2026
Miles and Mitchell were the most prominent names not in the roster. Both players are both enjoying dominant seasons in the WNBA and have played crucial roles in their teams’ success.
However, they were not among the athletes who did not attend the senior national team training camp during the NCAA Women’s Final Four in Phoenix and were therefore left off the roster. But that did not stop the WNBA world from being stunned by the news.
“We wanted Kelsey Mitchell & Olivia Miles,” wrote one fan on X.
We wanted Kelsey Mitchell & Olivia Miles
— LOUISVILLE EVERYTHING (@Nchxlly) August 6, 2026
Philippou relayed Bird’s comments noting that being invited to training camp was not a requirement to make the roster, but it was an “important piece” to being picked in the final roster.
“To clarify: Attending USA Basketball training camps is not technically a requirement to make the senior national team, but Sue Bird did say it was an ‘important piece’ to see how players fare in the USA Basketball environment and under the coach’s system.
Olivia Miles, for instance, did not participate in recent training camps while finishing her college season. Bird: ‘She’s played with USA basketball before. She will undoubtedly be in the mix for teams in the future,’” she wrote.
Many fans were dejected that two of the names in the WNBA MVP race were left out of the USA roster for the World Cup.
“No Olivia Miles? That’s insane,” wrote one user.
“Chelsea Gray ahead of Olivia Miles and Kelsey Mitchell is brutal,” one wrote.
“Olivia Miles and Kelsey Mitchell robbed in broad daylight,” claimed another.
Another user wrote, “Politics why Olivia Miles wasn’t selected. Shameful.”
Olivia Miles and Kelsey Mitchell robbed in broad daylight
— Tyus (@tyusw916) August 6, 2026
However, several fans also shared their excitement at getting to watch some of the biggest names in the WNBA compete together at the World Cup.
“I cannot wait for that Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Naphessa Collier, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson team USA starting lineup,” one wrote.
i cannot wait for that caitlin clark, paige bueckers, naphessa collier, breanna stewart, and a’ja wilson team USA starting lineup.
— like water 🌊 (@buddhishly) August 6, 2026
One fan shared a bullish opinion on the USA roster, backing them to dominate proceedings and successfully retain the World Cup title. The USA won the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup, with Wilson earning MVP honors.
“Undefeated. No games closer than 25 points,” they wrote.
Undefeated. No games closer than 25 points. https://t.co/zrYs4fcDGO
— Jarred (@JarreDuhh) August 6, 2026
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will take place in Germany from September 4-13, with 16 teams competing. The United States could face tough competition from Australia, France, Belgium, and China for the title.
