A'ja Wilson, a key player for the Las Vegas Aces, opted out of the 2026 FIBA World Cup due to health concerns, missing out on the opportunity to add a third gold medal to her resume. Team USA won the championship, defeating France by 18 points in the final. Wilson stated that she did not feel physically prepared to compete and prioritized her long-term fitness over the World Cup.
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Her sudden withdrawal raised questions and triggered some backlash from fans, who had hoped to see her contribute to Team USA's gold medal pursuit. Despite this, Wilson is set to return to the Aces as they resume their WNBA season, aiming to defend their title with four upcoming games against eliminated teams. This period is crucial for securing a favorable playoff seed as the regular season nears its end.