FIBA Women’s World Cup, knockout stage, rules explained
USA TODAY Studio IX’s Callie Fin explains everything you need to know about the FIBA Women’s World Cup as Team USA enters the knockout stage.
LAS VEGAS — Amid criticism surrounding A’ja Wilson’s choice to miss the FIBA Women’s World Cup, the Las Vegas Aces are prioritizing the four-time WNBA MVP’s health.
“She’s needed some time, obviously,” Aces coach Becky Hamon told USA TODAY after practice on Wednesday, Sept. 9. “I still think she’s dealing with some back stuff. Some days it’s a little sorer than others.”
When the WNBA returns from the FIBA break on Sept. 17, Hammon expects Wilson to be in position to help the Aces in the final four games of the regular season. With victories, the Aces should maintain the third seed and be prepared to defend their championship.
“For the most part, I think she’s able to come out here and compete, and be there for her teammates, which is always her first priority,” Hammon said of Wilson. “But I’m keeping an eye on her, you know? Even in this downtime.”
Wilson and former Aces teammate Kelsey Plum were both late scratches from the World Cup, with USA Basketball announcing on Monday, Aug. 31 that Washington Mystics players Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron replace the veterans on the roster.
The news came days before the U.S. opened World Cup play in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, Aug. 31.
Becky Hammon responds to A’ja Wilson media criticism
Although Team USA went 3-0 in group play, backlash from media personalities and fans has continued in the form of speculation surrounding Wilson’s decision.
Former ESPN host Linda Cohn suggested Wilson’s absence stemmed from “insecurity” rather than health issues.
“Is there any part of A’ja that didn’t want to spend the next couple of weeks watching the World Cup become the Caitlin Clark show?” Cohn questioned on her show. “Could there be some insecurity, dare I say? … If Aja Wilson has a back injury, then why did she play over 30 minutes a game in six of her last seven games and over 27 minutes in the other?”
The comments sparked a larger discussion, leading Martin Luther King Jr.’s daughter, Bernice, to respond.
“Linda Cohn owes A’ja Wilson a public apology and a retraction,” King wrote. “What disappointing, delusional, and dangerous commentary targeting a great ambassador and GOAT athlete for the @wnba and for sports. Period.”
Hammon wasn’t familiar with the comments, but had thoughts.
“A’ja has every right to do what she feels is best health wise. And the other thing is, the men do this all the time,” Hammon told USA TODAY. “Can you name me any of the men’s world championship rosters right now? Can you name me any person on there? What I’m saying is, LeBron (James) and those guys – if this was a man making this decision, there would be nothing to say. And that’s my problem.”
LeBron James last played in the FIBA Basketball World Cup during the 2006 tournament held in Japan, where he won a bronze medal with Team USA. That appearance marked his sole appearance in the FIBA World Cup, as he opted to focus on the Olympic Games and NBA rest from then on.
Stephen Curry’s last FIBA Basketball World Cup appearance was in 2014, when he helped Team USA win the gold medal.
In general, Hammon is correct that top NBA superstars usually prioritize offseason rest and the Olympic Games over the World Cup — a reality that reached mainstream discussion when Team USA finished fourth at the 2023 FIBA World Cup with a roster headlined by Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson.
Aces managing Wilson, retooling in the post
Although Wilson’s official withdrawal came close to the World Cup tipoff, there were indications she wasn’t fully healthy.
She appeared on the Aces’ injury report twice the week before the announcement with a back injury. Before that, Wilson missed the Aces’ 93-85 loss to the New York Liberty in the Commissioner’s Cup Championship vs. the New York Liberty due to a right leg injury. She was also out for games against the Chicago Sky (July 3) and Indiana Fever (July 5).
“She wants to play. I’m not letting her play,” Hammon said of Wilson at the time.
When asked why Wilson and the Aces’ other stars weren’t benched from a 101-78 win over the Connecticut Sun on Aug. 20, Hammon was blunt.
“Have you seen us play lately?” Hammon said. “We need to start getting our [expletive] together.”
The Aces were struggling during that period. Despite a need to secure postseason seeding, the Aces had won twice in their previous six games before their victory against Connecticut.
Without forward NaLyssa Smith, who was ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season on Aug. 27, Wilson is guaranteed to receive even more attention from defenses in the paint.
The Aces signed 6-foot-7 center Kalani Brown on Aug. 29 to take some of that pressure off.
Aces general manager and president Nikki Fargas said believes the new addition will “be very impactful immediately.”
“There’s a lot of pounding that goes on in this league. And there’s a lot of expectations that are placed on these players,” Fargas added. “(With) the greatness that exists in A’ja at this time, the most important thing is is player health. And so as an organization, we want to make sure that we’re leading in that way.”