10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Earlier this week, USA Basketball unveiled its roster for the 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will feature 12 WNBA stars, including four-time MVP A'ja Wilson, All-Stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Plum, among others.
With only 12 spots available, there were bound to be star players snubbed from the roster. Some of them included the Indiana Fever's Kelsey Mitchell, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, and New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu.
Ionescu was asked about being left off the Team USA roster and indicated she was "kind of, but not really" surprised by the decision, but also explained that she understood why.
Read More on Sports
"I know I've dealt with some injuries. Obviously, there's so much talent. You kinda never know; it could go any way. I don't know if surprised is the right word. Yeah, it just is what it is," the Liberty star told reporters.
"Disappointed, of course. That’s obviously something I wanted to participate in, but I think it’s just maturity. I understand how difficult it is. I’m excited for a lot of the new faces that get to go and have the opportunity to do the World Cup," Ionescu also said, per The Athletic's Annie Costabile.
More news: Former LeBron James Teammate Wants Final 76ers Roster Spot Over Kevin Love
...
Ionescu, now in her seventh season with New York, is averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. She's played in 20 of the Liberty's 32 games this season, with 12 left before the playoffs.
Ionescu wasn't among this year's All-Stars, while all of the other roster members were selected for the annual game. She's a four-time All-Star in her career and a key part of the Liberty's roster, including their 2024 championship run.
She played for Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France, capturing a gold medal. Many of her teammates from the Summer Games are on this recent World Cup roster, including Napheesa Collier, who just returned late in the season for the Minnesota Lynx.
As of this writing, Collier has played in five games for Minnesota, compared to Ionescu's 20, but the Lynx have become strong contenders to win the WNBA championship with Collier's return and Miles' impressive rookie season.
While Ionescu didn't get onto the Team USA roster, her teammate Breanna Stewart will be on the squad representing the Liberty and USA. Additional selections include the Atlanta Dream's Angel Reese, the Phoenix Mercury's Kahleah Copper, and the Las Vegas Aces' Jackie Young.
More news: Jackie Young Explains Why Fans Were Escorted From Seats at Aces-Fever Game
For more about the WNBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines