Overview
- The 12-player U.S. roster is finalized in Berlin for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, with Caitlin Clark included and expected to see game action.
- Veterans A'ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum withdrew for health reasons and were replaced by Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, reducing the team’s veteran frontcourt and backcourt depth.
- Coach Kara Lawson has publicly highlighted Chelsea Gray’s experience, and multiple outlets project Gray will start at point guard while Clark is likely to begin the tournament coming off the bench.
- Team USA opens Group D play against China on Friday, Sept. 4, and will also face Italy and Czechia as it defends a run of four straight World Cup titles.
- The roster mixes established stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier with nine first-time World Cup players, a balance that raises rotation questions and gives young players a major development opportunity.