The WNBA regular season is about to take a significant pause between Aug. 31 and Sept. 16. During this time, the long-awaited FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will be taking place.
The 17-day midseason break won’t be restful for every WNBA player, however. In fact, a handful of notable names will be taking the court at the World Cup.
FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Will Feature WNBA’s Biggest Names
Team USA is bolstered by some of women’s basketball’s most prolific stars, who will represent the U.S. while the WNBA is on hiatus.
The roster includes Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Jackie Young.
Team USA’s first clash is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 4, at 8:15 a.m. ET against China. The World Cup is being held in Berlin, Germany.
The event takes place every four years, with the last one wrapping up in 2022. That year, it was held in Sydney, Australia, where the United States claimed victory. Now, the country is looking to defend its title.
Broken into Groups A, B, C, and D, Team USA is in Group D, alongside China, Italy, and Czechia.
With the U.S. having a stacked roster filled with fresh yet high-profile faces, Team USA certainly stands a high chance of clinching another title this year.
USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird stated, “This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin.”
She added, “Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can’t wait to see what this team accomplishes together.”
Duke University head coach Kara Lawson will be serving as head coach, while Stephanie White, Natalie Nakase, and Nate Tibbetts step in as assistants.
As reported by USA Basketball, Lawson said, “It’s great to have a team and to have a roster. It’s been a long process to whittle it down to 12 players, and I think that speaks to just the talent we have in our country across the board. These 12 have earned it through their play and their consistency.”
“I couldn’t be more excited about working with each of them, and I’ve had good experience with each of them. I think that’s what makes it even more special is the relationships that you have, and having worked with them in different capacities. I know what they’re capable of, and I know that this is a group that’s ready for the challenges that are ahead.”
This is an exciting time in women’s basketball, and although the WNBA will be on a brief hold, fans can tune into the World Cup on Sept. 4.
Absolutely awful timing. Would have been much better to not interrupt the WNBA season, meaning the finals would be around mid-October, and do this afterward. This would also slot it perfectly before the start of the NCAAW season.