The call no player wants to take
Sue Bird, the managing director of Team USA, faced a challenging task before Thursday's announcement of the final roster. Only twelve athletes would travel to Berlin for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, while twelve others would be left behind. Each decision required careful consideration, with Bird reaching out to players directly to break the news.
Among those Bird called was Sabrina Ionescu, a key figure in recent Team USA victories. Speaking on NBC's Today Show, Bird acknowledged the difficulty of the selection process. 'It's about making choices for those that I think are going to be part of the (roster) to win a gold medal,' she explained, emphasizing that the decisions were not based on the players' abilities.
Who made the cut — and who didn’t
The final roster included standout names like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Chelsea Gray, Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. These athletes bring a combined 58 WNBA All-Star appearances to the team. However, the list of those who did not earn a spot was just as significant.
Sabrina Ionescu, a vital member of the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympic gold-medal teams, was excluded from the final 12. So too was Olivia Miles, the No. 2 draft pick in the WNBA who has made a strong impression for the Minnesota Lynx. Bird described the final selection as 'a very tough roster' and insisted that it was not an indictment of their talent or performance.
Ionescu and the competition
Ionescu has been averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game in the current season. However, she has missed 12 games due to injuries and did not receive an All-Star nod. Meanwhile, Rhyne Howard, the WNBA leader in minutes played and steals, also caught Bird’s attention for the team selection.
Bird explained that Ionescu understands the weight of wearing the USA jersey. Her absence was not a reflection of her play, but rather a reflection of how the depth chart aligned this time. Bird emphasized that every player deserved respect, whether the news was good or bad.
Miles, despite being a rookie, has yet to represent the U.S. in a World Cup or Olympic event. She did play with coach Kara Lawson during the 2024 AmeriCup, but she missed out on a national team camp in the past year. That may shift as she moves toward consideration for the 2028 Olympics.
Currently, Miles is putting up impressive numbers, averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.8 rebounds per game. With a shooting percentage of 50.2%, she is a strong contender for Rookie of the Year. However, for the World Cup, the timing wasn’t in her favor.
Bird praised Miles, calling her 'a tremendous player' and stating that she will surely be part of future team discussions. For now, that future lies ahead in 2028.
Who else didn’t make it
The list of notable exclusions also included veterans such as Jewell Loyd, Alyssa Thomas, and Brittney Griner — all of whom played a part in the 2024 Olympic gold medal victory. Each of these athletes is over the age of 32, making Chelsea Gray the oldest player on the new roster at 33 years old. In addition, the Washington Mystics’ Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Shakira Austin did not make the final cut.
Bird referred to the cuts as 'tough' but made it clear that the decisions were based on who she believed could best help win a gold medal. Her message to the players was one of clarity and respect — no matter the outcome.
With Kara Lawson now in charge of coaching the team, the focus shifts to Berlin and the challenge of defending their title. Bird’s role in the selection process is now complete, and the responsibility falls on the new leadership to carry the team forward and make their mark.