A’ja Wilson withdraws from Team USA roster for FIBA World Cup
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 11:15 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026

A’ja Wilson has withdrawn from the Team USA roster ahead of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. While official reports cite health concerns and fatigue as reasons for her departure, speculation regarding her motivation has emerged. Former analyst Linda Cohn suggested on the Linda Cohn Show that the decision may stem from reluctance to share the spotlight with Caitlin Clark. Conversely, others including Etan Thomas have defended Wilson, noting that players are not obligated to participate. Team USA has named Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron as replacements for Wilson and Kelsey Plum, who is also out with a lower-leg injury. Wilson remains scheduled to return to action for the Las Vegas Aces in late September.
- •A’ja Wilson withdrew from the Team USA World Cup roster due to reported fatigue and health concerns.
- •Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron were added to the team to replace Wilson and Kelsey Plum.
- •Linda Cohn theorized that Wilson pulled out to avoid media attention surrounding Caitlin Clark.
- •Wilson is expected to return for the Las Vegas Aces playoff run starting September 27.
- 11:15 AMYahoo Sports — A’ja Wilson’s absence from FIBA World Cup questioned by former ESPN anchor
- 6:15 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Perfectly Said,’ ‘Do Better’ — WNBA World Locks Horns As Linda Cohn Suggests A’ja Wilson Skipped FIBA Women’s World Cup To Avoid ‘Caitlin Clark Show’
- 5:45 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Could There Be Some Insecurity?’ — ESPN Legend Theorizes A’ja Wilson Dropped Out of FIBA Women’s World Cup To Avoid ‘Caitlin Clark Show’
"A’ja Wilson dropped out of Team USA’s final roster days before the squad headed to Berlin for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Health concerns and general fatigue have been cited as the determining factors behind her decision as Wilson prepares for the Las Vegas Aces’ playoff run come Sept.
"A’ja Wilson was initially set to compete at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, but the WNBA star withdrew from the team recently. Wilson would have been an excellent asset for the USA, given she is a four-time MVP and has the highest points average of any player in the league right now.
"The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will not see A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark play together for Team USA. Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, withdrew from participating on Monday due to health and injury concerns.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 11:15 AMA’ja Wilson’s absence from FIBA World Cup questioned by former ESPN anchor
A’ja Wilson was initially set to compete at the 2026 FIBA World Cup, but the WNBA star withdrew from the team recently. Wilson would have been an excellent asset for the USA, given she is a four-time MVP and has the highest points average of any player in the league right now.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 6:15 AM‘Perfectly Said,’ ‘Do Better’ — WNBA World Locks Horns As Linda Cohn Suggests A’ja Wilson Skipped FIBA Women’s World Cup To Avoid ‘Caitlin Clark Show’
The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup will not see A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark play together for Team USA. Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP, withdrew from participating on Monday due to health and injury concerns.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 5:45 AM‘Could There Be Some Insecurity?’ — ESPN Legend Theorizes A’ja Wilson Dropped Out of FIBA Women’s World Cup To Avoid ‘Caitlin Clark Show’
A’ja Wilson dropped out of Team USA’s final roster days before the squad headed to Berlin for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Health concerns and general fatigue have been cited as the determining factors behind her decision as Wilson prepares for the Las Vegas Aces’ playoff run come Sept.
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