Team USA will enter the Women’s FIBA World Cup as the giant favorites to take home the gold medal once again. However, this time they will have a different look, as they include the game’s new superstars who have quickly risen to become some of the most talked-about players in the league.
This includes Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and the league’s best rebounder, Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese. Budding superstar Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings will also suit up for Team USA. With Reese and Clark in the fold, we’ll take a look at how you can catch the World Cup action.
When Do Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Team USA Hit the Court in the FIBA World Cup?
Team USA will get things underway in group play on September 4 when they take on China in Group D.
Group D Schedule
Below is the Group D schedule.
- Friday, September 4: USA vs. China, 8:15 a.m. ET, TNT (also available on truTV, HBO Max)
- Sunday, September 6: USA vs. Italy, 2:45 p.m. ET, TNT
- Monday, September 7: USA vs. Czechia, 2:45 p.m. ET, TNT
Knockout Rounds
- Tuesday, September 8 – Wednesday, Sept. 9: Playoff Qualification / Qualification Round, TNT
- Thursday, September 10: Quarterfinals, TNT (also available on truTV)
- Saturday, September 12: Semifinals, TNT (also available on truTV)
Final Round
- Sunday, September 13: Third-Place Game and Final, TNT (also available on truTV)
France is predicted to be the toughest opponent should they meet Team USA, but Belgium, Australia, and Spain could also be contenders to reach the gold medal game.
What Does Team USA Look Like?
Veterans A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Kelsey Plum of the Phoenix Mercury, mainstays on their squads, will not play. Plum is out with a lower-leg injury that has also ended her WNBA season, while Wilson’s absence has been attributed to ‘health reasons.’
The two have been replaced by Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics. Still, aside from Clark and Reese, there is plenty of star power on the latest roster.
- Aliyah Boston, Forward/Center, Indiana Fever
- Paige Bueckers, Guard, Dallas Wings
- Caitlin Clark, Guard, Indiana Fever
- Sonia Citron, Guard, Washington Mystics
- Napheesa Collier, Forward, Minnesota Lynx
- Kahleah Copper, Guard/Forward, Phoenix Mercury
- Chelsea Gray, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
- Rhyne Howard, Guard, Atlanta Dream
- Kiki Iriafen, Forward, Washington Mystics
- Angel Reese, Forward, Atlanta Dream
- Breanna Stewart, Forward, New York Liberty
- Jackie Young, Guard, Las Vegas Aces
There is still veteran leadership from the likes of Stewart, a 10-year pro, as well as Young, Gray, Cooper, and Collier, who have also spent at least eight seasons in the league, giving the squad a good mixture of vets and young, developing stars.
With that mix, this should be a very entertaining team to watch.
Before the USA begins its World Cup, the tournament will tip-off on Friday with games between Australia and Puerto Rico, and Japan vs Mali at 5:30 a.m. ET.
