The USA Women’s Basketball National Team announced its 18-player training camp roster for December, but several major WNBA superstars were unexpectedly excluded. Here are the top five most surprising snubs, including A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
USA Basketball officially released its 18-player roster for the upcoming Women’s National Team training camp, scheduled for December 12–14 at Duke University, and although the list is packed with elite talent, the announcement immediately sparked conversation—not because of who made it, but because of who didn’t.
The roster features standout WNBA names like Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, and Dearica Hamby, along with rising stars making their senior national team camp debuts, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, JuJu Watkins, Sonia Citron, Lauren Betts, Kiki Iriafen, and more. The camp will be led by Duke’s Kara Lawson, assisted by coaches from the Valkyries, Mercury, and Fever, as Team USA begins preparations for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin.
But the biggest talking point? Several massive WNBA names didn’t receive an invite. These omissions have stunned fans, analysts, and even some players. Here are the top five most shocking snubs from the USA Women’s Basketball training camp roster:
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1. A’ja Wilson
Arguably the most stunning exclusion.
A two-time MVP, Finals MVP, and four-time WNBA champion, A’ja Wilson has been the center of Team USA’s dominance for years. Her absence raises major questions and has fueled widespread debate.
2. Breanna Stewart
A longtime USA Basketball pillar, Stewart’s versatility and championship pedigree usually make her a guaranteed selection. Her omission is as surprising as it is confusing.
3. Napheesa Collier
Fresh off a phenomenal season, Collier has emerged as one of the league’s most dependable two-way forces. Her snub shocked many who expected her to be a lock.
4. Sabrina Ionescu
Known for her elite shooting and playmaking, Ionescu has been heavily involved in USA Basketball activities. Her absence comes as an unexpected twist.
5. Kelsey Mitchell
One of the WNBA’s most consistent scorers, Mitchell continues to elevate her game with the Indiana Fever. Yet she remains overlooked despi
