Dawn Staley addresses media speculation regarding A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 11:05 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Dawn Staley publicly challenged media comments suggesting that A’ja Wilson is absent from the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup due to the presence of teammate Caitlin Clark. Former ESPN sportscaster Linda Cohn recently speculated that Wilson withdrew to avoid the focus surrounding Clark. Staley refuted this claim on social media, emphasizing that Wilson’s absence is strictly due to previously noted health concerns. Team USA opened its FIBA World Cup campaign with a win over China as the roster continues to integrate younger players including Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese. Wilson, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, remains a central figure for the national program despite her current unavailability for the tournament.
- •Dawn Staley rejected claims of jealousy between A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark.
- •A’ja Wilson is absent from the FIBA World Cup roster due to health concerns.
- •Team USA defeated China to begin its FIBA World Cup campaign.
- •Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese are competing for Team USA.
- 11:05 AMYahoo Sports — Dawn Staley Has Blunt 2-Word Response to ESPN Legend’s Controversial A’ja Wilson-Caitlin Clark World Cup Claim
- 6:10 AMYahoo Sports — Dawn Staley claps back at media over A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark comments
"A’ja Wilson stepped down from the Team USA roster for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, citing lingering back issues. But some in the WNBA world took Wilson’s absence as an ego issue, bringing Caitlin Clark into the picture and accusing the three-time WNBA champion of not wanting to share the spotlight with Clark.
"USA Basketball legend Dawn Staley has given a crisp reply to media members suggesting that A’ja Wilson isn’t at the FIBA World Cup because of Caitlin Clark. Team USA began their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign by comfortably beating China.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 11:05 AMDawn Staley Has Blunt 2-Word Response to ESPN Legend’s Controversial A’ja Wilson-Caitlin Clark World Cup Claim
A’ja Wilson stepped down from the Team USA roster for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, citing lingering back issues. But some in the WNBA world took Wilson’s absence as an ego issue, bringing Caitlin Clark into the picture and accusing the three-time WNBA champion of not wanting to share the spotlight with Clark.
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 6:10 AMDawn Staley claps back at media over A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark comments
USA Basketball legend Dawn Staley has given a crisp reply to media members suggesting that A’ja Wilson isn’t at the FIBA World Cup because of Caitlin Clark. Team USA began their FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup campaign by comfortably beating China.
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