In a shocking twist that has sent ripples through the basketball world, two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson has been omitted from the USA Women’s National Team’s December 2025 training camp roster. The announcement, dropped just today after the Las Vegas Aces clinched their third championship in four years, lists a blend of veterans and rising stars—but conspicuously absent is the 6-foot-4 forward who dominated the 2025 season with 28.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and a Defensive Player of the Year nod.
The roster features WNBA standouts like Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark, her teammate Aliyah Boston, Las Vegas guards Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, plus Phoenix’s Brittney Griner and Atlanta’s Dearica Hamby. Connecticut’s Brionna Jones anchors the post, while rookies Lauren Betts (UCLA) and Cameron Brink (Stanford) signal a youth infusion. College sensations Paige Bueckers (UConn), Northwestern’s Kiki Iriafen, USC’s JuJu Watkins, and Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson join pros Angel Reese (Chicago Sky) and Northwestern’s Veronica Burton, alongside Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron—painting a picture of generational transition.
Wilson, fresh off her fourth MVP and a historic scoring title, took to Instagram late Saturday, her voice raw with disbelief. “Y’all know my heart’s been poured into this red, white, and blue since day one. Gold medals, World Cups—I’ve given everything. But this? Feels like a gut punch. Grateful for the journey, but damn, it stings when loyalty meets a locked door.” Fans flooded her post with support, hashtags like #JusticeForAja trending worldwide.
Insiders whisper the snub stems from USA Basketball’s post-Olympic rebuild, prioritizing “fresh legs” for the 2027 FIBA World Cup amid a grueling WNBA schedule. Yet, with Wilson as the undisputed face of the league—named TIME’s 2025 Woman of the Year—the decision reeks of controversy. “She’s the best player breathing,” tweeted ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike. “This isn’t selection; it’s a statement gone wrong.”
As the camp kicks off in Colorado Springs, whispers of a petition swirl, demanding reconsideration. Wilson’s silence on specifics only amplifies the drama: Will the queen reclaim her throne, or has the dynasty fractured? One thing’s clear—basketball’s biggest star won’t fade quietly. The WNBA off-season just got explosive.
