Add The New York Post on Google Two Team USA favorites are out of the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup.
A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will no longer compete for the Stars and Stripes in Berlin due to health reasons, ESPN reported Monday.
The Mystics duo of Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been called up in their places.
The World Cup is scheduled for Sept. 4-13, and heavily favored Team USA opens play Friday with a game against China.
Wilson, who is in the middle of another WNBA MVP campaign with the Aces, was a surprise dropout from the international event.
Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) shoots over Toronto Tempo guard Ornella Bankole (33) during a WNBA basketball game on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, in Las Vegas. AP Photo/John Locher Wilson, who has dealt with minor ankle and back injuries this season, has averaged 32 minutes across 37 WNBA games and likely is taking a break in preparation for the playoffs.
The four-time MVP was previously voted most outstanding player at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2022 World Cup.
The Aces (27-13) sit in third in the tight WNBA standings with four regular-season games remaining before their push for another set of back-to-back championships.
Las Vegas previously accomplished the feat in 2022 and 2023, becoming the first WNBA team to do so in 21 years.
Plum, who has been dealing with a calf injury this year, was also ruled out for the rest of the WNBA season, the Mercury announced.
“Kelsey is a competitor and wants nothing more than to be on the court with her teammates and competing for the Mercury,” general manager Nick U’Ren said in a statement after the announcement. “We know how much it means to her to play, and how much she means to our fans. Ultimately, this is about doing what is best for Kelsey’s long-term health and making sure she has the time and support she needs to return to the court at full strength.”
Kelsey Plum of the Phoenix Mercury dribbles the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Mystics at Mortgage Matchup Center on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona. Getty Images Plum was traded to the Mercury from the Sparks earlier this month, but the five-time All-Star has appeared in just five games with her new team.
Plum averaged 21.5 points on nearly 52 percent shooting from the field this season. She also averaged 5.4 assists per game.
Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu did not make the cut for Team USA in a crowded backcourt that features superstar newcomers Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers.
And it was Citron, the second-year pro from Westchester, who took Plum’s roster spot at guard.
