Why Aces’ A’ja Wilson opted out of FIBA Women’s World Cup

A’ja Wilson will not play for Team USA at the FIBA Women’s World Cup as the Las Vegas Aces star prioritizes her health following recent issues with her back.

Wilson has not been at full strength for some time, a source close to the situation told ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, and there were concerns that the demanding World Cup schedule could worsen her condition. The four-time WNBA MVP appeared on the injury report twice over the past week because of a back issue but did not miss a game.

Wilson played 30 minutes Friday in the Aces’ final game before the WNBA paused for the FIBA break.

USA Basketball announced Monday that Wilson and Kelsey Plum will both miss the World Cup because of health concerns. Washington teammates Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron will replace them on the U.S. roster, according to reporting from ESPN News Services. Plum will also miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season.

Wilson’s absence removes one of Team USA’s most accomplished international players from its roster. She was named the most outstanding player at both the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2022 World Cup.

Iriafen and Citron participated in U.S. camps during the winter. Iriafen was part of the American squad that won its World Cup qualifier in Puerto Rico, while Citron missed the tournament because of an injury. The World Cup in Germany will mark Citron’s national team debut.

The roster changes will also put more attention on Team USA’s younger players. Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers are set to make their World Cup debuts, as are Rhyne Howard and Aliyah Boston.

Olympic medalists Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young and Kahleah Copper provide experience for an American team seeking to continue its run of international success. The U.S. has won every Women’s World Cup since taking bronze in 2006.

Team USA opens World Cup play Friday against China. The matchup will feature a sizable Chinese frontcourt led by 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, 6-10 Han Xu and 6-7 Li Yueru.

The U.S. and China last met for the World Cup championship in 2022 in Australia, when Wilson earned tournament MVP honors.

The post Why Aces’ A’ja Wilson opted out of FIBA Women’s World Cup appeared first on ClutchPoints.