USA Basketball Women’s National Team Prepares for 2026 FIBA World Cup

PHOENIX – For New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu, the opportunity to represent the United States never loses its meaning.

Ionescu is no stranger to the national stage with USA Basketball, and her experience will be critical to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team as it prepares for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup.

Ionescu has been a part of the U.S. 2014 U-17 World Championship team, the 2018 3×3 World Cup squad and has won gold medals at the 2022 FIBA World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics. 

“You have to pinch yourself sometimes,” Ionescu said. “Just thinking about the fact that you get to put on this uniform and represent your country knowing it’s everyone’s dream and mine since I was little.”

Ionescu and the rest of Team USA are currently focused on the World Cup. The team’s recent training camp in Phoenix offered an early glimpse of the mindset, the team’s preparation and the leadership that will shape the journey ahead.

Ionescu emphasized the importance of veteran leadership on a roster that features several young players attending camp for the first time. Players such as Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson set the tone, bringing WNBA championship experience and a standard of excellence that helps guide the group.

Led by coach Kara Lawson, the camp has brought together a collection of champions, rising stars and experienced veterans, all competing and building chemistry ahead of the World Cup in Berlin, Sept. 4 to 13.

“The more experience we can get, the better,” Ionescu said. “Especially when it comes from (Wilson); it’s super valuable. We’re super happy to have her.”

Wilson echoed the sentiment, noting the hunger of the next generation as a defining trait of this group.

“They want to be sponges,” said Wilson, who won the WNBA title with Las Vegas in 2025 and was named WNBA Finals MVP. “I remember being in their spot, so I’m just proud of them.”

Wilson remains focused on her own growth and team success, adding that her priority is “to win another one” and continue evolving as a leader. Young stars such as Cameron Brink of the Los Angeles Sparks are embracing the learning environment. After dealing with injury setbacks in the past, Brink described this experience as a step forward. 

“It’s been really cool to actually be out there and be able to play live and get a feel for the game,” Brink said. She also highlighted the value of learning from both coaches and teammates, also calling herself “a sponge” eager to absorb knowledge.

Meanwhile, USC’s Juju Watkins is taking a patient approach as she works through recovery from a torn ACL. Though limited on the court during the camp, Watkins views her presence as meaningful progress.

“Just to be here in this space and get out of L.A. for a while, it’s a different change of scenery,” Watkins said. “It’s been really nice and reminds me to continue to stick with it.” 

Veteran forward Napheesa Collier, a Minnesota Lynx standout, pointed to the growing visibility and momentum of the women’s game as another motivating factor heading into the World Cup.

“The work and the product has always been there in our game,” Collier said. “Now it’s just more people tuning in.”

Part of that growth includes the new, seven-year collective bargaining agreement the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association recently reached. The deal includes massive salary increases with maximum contracts rising to $1.4 million and average salaries expected to be around $583,000. But the growth doesn’t stop there, as the WNBA is also expanding by two teams in 2026, adding the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. 

The new additions will bring the league to 15 teams and the league plans to add three more franchises by 2030. 

Collier noted the excitement surrounding league expansion and increased investment in players, signaling a broader shift that could influence how athletes prepare year-round. 

“I think it’s awesome as the game’s growing,” Collier said. “I think both Toronto and Portland are great cities, so it’s exciting for the game and  xciting for the league, especially with the CBA finally getting done and continuing to grow the women’s game.”

Overseeing the process is managing director Sue Bird, who is tasked with evaluating talent and shaping the final roster. For Bird, patience is key during this stage of development.

“You’ve got to let things unfold and take your time,” Bird said. “There’s no rushing it. I would love to tell you what the final roster will be today, but that’s unrealistic.”

Bird praised the team dynamic and the personality of emerging leaders such as Paige Bueckers, the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year with the Dallas Wings, noting her ability to connect with teammates and elevate the group’s competitive edge.

Even with a new set of players, the women’s national team still expects to continue its dominance. Heading into the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the U.S. has won four consecutive gold medals dating back to 2010. At the Olympics, their win streak dates back to 1992 with a 61-game winning streak and eight consecutive gold medals that began in 1996.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, this camp served as more than just preparation.  It was a foundation-building experience. From seasoned Olympians to rising prospects, the collective goal is clear: to maintain the United States dominance on the national stage.

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