RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Two of the biggest WNBA stars won’t take the court for Team USA in September. Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum will not take part in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup due to injuries, USA Basketball announced Monday.
Plum and Wilson will be replaced by Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics.
Wilson’s absence comes as a bit of surprise, as the 30-year-old has played in all but three games for the Aces this season. The four-time MVP winner has once again put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 26 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
While Wilson hasn’t dealt with a significant injury this season, her decision to pass on the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup could be related to rest and workload.
In Plum’s instance, a calf injury has played a major role in her production this season. While the 32-year-old started off the season strong, the injury has limited both her availability and performance. Since joining the Mercury after a midseason trade, Plum has appeared in just five games with the team, and is averaging just 15.8 points, down from the 23.9 she averaged with the Los Angeles Sparks before the deal.
That injury won’t just keep Plum out of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, it will also sideline her for the rest of the WNBA season, per ESPN.
Breaking: Kelsey Plum and A’ja Wilson will no longer compete for Team USA at the upcoming FIBA Women's World Cup due to health reasons, USA Basketball announced. The Mystics' Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been named to the roster in their place.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) August 31, 2026
Team USA is looking to win its fifth straight FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Play begins Sept. 4 and runs through Sept. 13.
This story will be updated.
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