Why Olivia Miles was left off Team USA's roster for FIBA Women's World Cup

Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles will not be on Team USA’s 12-player roster for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany, starting Sept. 4, despite a standout first season. Described as a top Rookie of the Year contender, Miles is framed as the biggest omission. The reasoning, according to the situation Team USA has faced before, is experience: head coach Cheryl Reeve previously left Caitlin Clark off the Olympic roster in 2024, and the Americans still won gold. For this World Cup, Team USA will rely on guards Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Chelsea Gray, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young. Managing director Sue Bird and new coach Kara Lawson may look ahead to Los Angeles 2028.