The Team USA roster representing the United States in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup was revealed, and it included controversial decisions.
As expected, some of the top players, like Las Vegas Aces‘ A’ja Wilson, Indiana Fever‘s Caitlin Clark, and Atlanta Dream‘s Angel Reese, made the cut. There was debate about a few that did not make the final cut.
New York Liberty‘s Sabrina Ionescu and Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell were two common names that were brought up. One that seemed to be consensus, besides the two mentioned: Minnesota Lynx rookie guard Olivia Miles.
Why Didn’t Olivia Miles Make Team USA?
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – MAY 14: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx walks backcourt during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center on May 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Team USA’s managing director and former WNBA player Sue Bird explained some of the decisions made. While Bird would not go into detail regarding Ionescu, she did explain why Miles did not make it.
“Olivia, tremendous player, so much fun to watch, obviously and amazing player, to answer you’re first question, yeah this is the team… this is the roster that I… am taking to Berlin, baring injury… She’s (Miles) such a great young player… she’s played with USA basketball before she’s undoubtedly in the mix moving forward”
Bird also said it’s not a requirement to be at training camp to make the team, but it’s an “important piece” of the decision-making. That’s key because Miles was at Notre Dame during Team USA training camp.
The second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft has been a rising star in the league. In 29 games, Miles is averaging 19.7 points, 5.8 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Olivia Miles Not Playing for Team USA is What’s Best for Her
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 01: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx celebrates against the Toronto Tempo in the fourth quarter of a preseason game at Target Center on May 01, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lynx defeated the Tempo 73-66. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
This might actually be for the best for Miles. While representing the United States of America is an honor, she could use the time off.
Miles has been playing non-stop basketball since last October, playing for the Fighting Irish. She was right back at it after the college basketball season, preparing for the Lynx season.
With the extra two to three weeks off, Miles has a chance to heal her body and get ready for the final stretch of games before the playoffs. The Lynx are the top team in the WNBA and are on their way to potentially winning the title.
If they want to win it all, Miles is going to have to play a role in that. This could be an advantage for Minnesota as it looks to get back to the WNBA Finals fully healthy.
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