Team USA women’s basketball has faced growing scrutiny over its promotional materials following the release of its training camp roster for the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The announcement, made public on Monday, included a list of participating players for the December 12-14 training camp in Durham, North Carolina. The roster featured prominent names such as 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 graphic accompanying the announcement sparked immediate controversy, as it only highlighted Copper, Plum, and Young—three players who were part of the 2024 Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. team. Caitlin Clark, a two-time WNBA All-Star and one of the most popular players in the sport, was notably absent from the graphic, raising questions about strategic decisions in player visibility and inclusion.
Fans and commentators have expressed confusion and disappointment over the omission of Clark, whose recent performance with the Indiana Fever has solidified her status as a leading figure in the WNBA. Clark, who was not part of the U.S. team during the Paris Olympics, has previously been a key player in junior competitions and won a gold medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her absence from the 2024 Olympic team, combined with the lack of presence in the promotional graphic, has intensified the debate. Columnist Christine Brennan, known for her work on Clark, questioned the decision, emphasizing the need for clarity in team branding and player representation.
Clark’s absence from the 2024 Olympic roster was a point of contention among fans, as many believed she should have been included given her talent and influence in the game. However, she continued to play for the Indiana Fever and has since faced injury challenges that limited her playing time in the 2025 season. The 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, scheduled for September 2026, will be a critical opportunity for the U.S. team to build momentum ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. With the final roster selections overseen by USA Basketball director Sue Bird, the next phase of the selection process will determine which players will represent the United States on the global stage.
Other notable players in the training camp include Griner, Hamby, and Jones, who have all competed on the Olympic stage in previous years. Boston, Iriafen, Bueckers, Burton, Citron, Jackson, Reese, and Watkins will be making their senior-level camp debuts. As the team prepares for the upcoming World Cup, the focus will be on assembling a cohesive and competitive squad capable of achieving success on the international stage. The controversy surrounding Clark’s exclusion from the promotional graphic underscores the importance of transparency and strategic communication in team management, particularly in a highly competitive and media-savvy sports environment.