Projected Roster for Team USA Women's Basketball at 2028 LA Olympics

On September 14, 2026, Team USA secured its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup title, defeating France 97-79 in Berlin, Germany. Breanna Stewart was named tournament MVP, contributing a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. The team will soon shift focus to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, marking the first time since the 1996 Atlanta games that the women's basketball program will compete in a major tournament on home soil. That year also initiated their streak of eight consecutive Olympic gold medals.

Kara Lawson, the head coach, faces the challenge of maintaining this legacy as international competitors close the talent gap. Lawson, who played under the late Pat Summitt, aims to achieve Olympic victory, which would be a pinnacle of her coaching career. The team is undergoing a generational shift, with established players retiring and younger talents like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers stepping in. The World Cup roster included seven players making their senior national team tournament debuts, and when stars A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum were sidelined by injury, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were called up as replacements.

At the World Cup, Lawson relied heavily on experienced players; Stewart led in minutes played, and Chelsea Gray remained the starting point guard despite pressure from Clark’s performance. The makeup of the 2028 roster is expected to differ from the World Cup team. Wilson is anticipated to return, and WNBA MVP candidate Olivia Miles may join the roster.

The projected Team USA roster for the 2028 Olympics includes:

- Aliyah Boston, Indiana Fever

- Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings

- Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever

- Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx

- Chelsea Gray, Las Vegas Aces

- Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream

- Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

- Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream

- Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty

- JuJu Watkins, USC

- A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

- Jackie Young, Las Vegas Aces

Key players to monitor include Shakira Austin, Mikayla Blakes, Sonia Citron, Kahleah Copper, Hannah Hidalgo, Sabrina Ionescu, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson, Kelsey Plum, and Sarah Strong. The established players — Wilson, Stewart, Collier, Young, and Gray — appear to have secure spots, likely forming the starting lineup. The next generation, including Bueckers, Clark, Boston, and Reese, is expected to be included due to their potential.

This projection leaves three spots potentially available, tentatively filled by Miles, Watkins, and Howard. Sue Bird, the managing director, faces difficult decisions, particularly regarding the inclusion of strong performers like Copper, Ionescu, and Plum versus the promising talents of Miles and Watkins. Additionally, Howard's standout defensive performance at the World Cup strengthens her case for selection.

Injuries impacted this year’s roster decisions and may continue to do so moving forward. As the Olympics approach, the team dynamics may shift further before the 2028 event.