USA Women’s Basketball Team Training Camp Announcement

The USA Women’s Basketball Team revealed its training camp roster on Monday, scheduled for December 12 to 14 in Durham, North Carolina.

Included in the lineup are notable players such as Lauren Betts, Aliyah Boston, Cameron Brink, Paige Backers, Veronica Barton, Sonia Citron, Kaitlyn Clark, Karlea Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Greiner, Dearika Hamby, Kiki Iriafen, Rikea Jackson, Breonna Jones, Kelsey Plumb, Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, and Jackie Young.

Graphics accompanying the announcement showcased Copper, Plum, and Young—who all contributed to winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. However, many fans expressed confusion over the absence of Clark in these promotions, given her popularity in women’s basketball.

Columnist Christine Brennan, author of a book about Clark, pointed out the puzzling decision regarding her promotional exclusion. It’s worth noting that Clark, a talented player, did not represent the United States at the Olympics. She previously secured a gold medal in junior competitions and made her debut with the Indiana Fever after turning professional. Unfortunately, she faced a rough patch last season, dealing with injuries.

Coach Sue Bird will assess the players before finalizing the team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup happening next September.

Other players selected, such as Gray, Greiner, and Hamby, were also part of last year’s Olympic squad. Several newcomers, including Betts, Brink, Buccaneer, Burton, Citron, Iliafen, Jackson, Reese, and Watkins, will be participating in their first senior camp.