Team USA Basketball has released its training camp roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, slated for December 12-14 in Durham, North Carolina. The announcement featured a comprehensive list of players, including Lauren Betts, Aliyah Boston, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, Veronica Burton, Sonia Citron, Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Dearica Hamby, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson, Brionna Jones, Kelsey Plum, Angel Reese, Juju Watkins, and Jackie Young. However, the promotional graphic accompanying the announcement highlighted only three players: Copper, Plum, and Young. These three were part of the U.S. team that secured gold at the Paris Olympics, which has raised questions about the decision-making process of the selection committee.
Caitlin Clark, widely regarded as one of the most prominent players in women’s basketball, was notably absent from the graphic, drawing immediate criticism from fans and media. Columnist Christine Brennan, who has written extensively about Clark, was among those expressing concerns about the decision. Clark’s omission from the promotional material has sparked a broader debate about the visibility and representation of top-tier athletes in national team promotions. Fans also pointed out that Clark did not play for the U.S. team during the Olympics, which was another point of contention, especially given her previous success in junior teams and her recent WNBA draft selection.
The exclusion of Clark from the training camp graphic has raised concerns about the potential impact on her career trajectory. Fans fear that her absence from the promotional material might affect her public image and perception among basketball enthusiasts. The situation has been further complicated by Clark’s absence from the Olympic team last year, which was attributed to her injuries and not participating in the games. This has led to speculation about whether her injuries and limited participation during the Olympics played a role in the selection process for the World Cup.
USA women’s national team director Sue Bird is set to evaluate the players before making the final roster decision for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The selection process has been a topic of discussion, with many questioning the transparency and criteria used by the coaching staff. Some fans argue that the decision to exclude Clark from the promotional graphic may have been a strategic choice to highlight other players rather than a reflection of her performance or potential.
Other notable players like Gray, Griner, and Hamby, who were also on the U.S. Olympic team, are included in the camp roster. Meanwhile, several players are making their senior camp debuts, including Betts, Brink, Bueckers, Burton, Citron, Iriafen, Jackson, Reese, and Watkins. These players represent a mix of experienced and emerging talents, highlighting the depth of talent in the U.S. women’s basketball program. As the training camp approaches, the focus will be on selecting the final roster for the 2026 World Cup, with the stakes high and the pressure on the coaching staff to make the right choices for the team’s success.