Sabrina Ionescu left off Team USA World Cup roster, Breanna Stewart reacts
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 12:41 AM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
Sabrina Ionescu will not be part of the 12-player roster for the U.S. women's national team at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin next month. Ionescu expressed disappointment over her omission but emphasized her understanding of the decision. Sue Bird, U.S. Basketball’s senior women's national team managing director, explained that the choice did not reflect Ionescu’s talent, while announcing a roster that includes seven players making their World Cup debuts. Breanna Stewart noted her surprise at Ionescu's exclusion and encouraged her to focus on recovery and preparation for the WNBA playoffs. Ionescu, who faced injuries limiting her playing time this season, aims for the 2028 Olympics.
- •Ionescu left off Team USA's World Cup roster for August in Berlin.
- •Roster includes seven first-time World Cup participants.
- •Stewart surprised by Ionescu's exclusion, emphasizes her positive outlook.
- •Ionescu aims for strong performance in WNBA playoffs following her injury recovery.
- •Sue Bird states decision reflects team strategy, not Ionescu's talent.
- 12:41 AMYahoo Sports — Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu sets sights on 2028 Olympics after not making FIBA World Cup squad
- 9:16 PMYahoo Sports — Sabrina Ionescu left off Team USA World Cup roster, Breanna Stewart ‘surprised’
"New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu will not be one of the 12 players representing the U.S. women’s national team at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin next month. The decision, ultimately made by U.S. Basketball’s senior women’s national team managing director Sue Bird, was notable considering Ionescu’s experience and the stage she’s at in her career. Speaking with members of the media for the first time since the roster was announced, Ionescu was hesitant to describe her omission as surprising. Sh
"NEW YORK — Sabrina Ionescu is shifting her focus to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games after not making the cut for the 12-woman FIBA World Cup squad, which is set to begin group play next month. And the Liberty star had no hard feelings on the decision to leave her off this year’s World Cup roster. “I mean, not — kind of — but not really,” Ionescu said when asked if she was surprised when ...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 9, 2026, 12:41 AMLiberty star Sabrina Ionescu sets sights on 2028 Olympics after not making FIBA World Cup squad
NEW YORK — Sabrina Ionescu is shifting her focus to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games after not making the cut for the 12-woman FIBA World Cup squad, which is set to begin group play next month. And the Liberty star had no hard feelings on the decision to leave her off this year’s World Cup roster. “I mean, not — kind of — but not really,” Ionescu said when asked if she was surprised when ...
- Yahoo SportsAug 8, 2026, 9:16 PMSabrina Ionescu left off Team USA World Cup roster, Breanna Stewart ‘surprised’
New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu will not be one of the 12 players representing the U.S. women’s national team at the FIBA World Cup in Berlin next month. The decision, ultimately made by U.S. Basketball’s senior women’s national team managing director Sue Bird, was notable considering Ionescu’s experience and the stage she’s at in her career. Speaking with members of the media for the first time since the roster was announced, Ionescu was hesitant to describe her omission as surprising. Sh
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