Sabrina Ionescu Aims for 2028 Olympics After FIBA Snub

WHO:

New York Daily News - Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird, Team USA women's national team, U.S. Basketball

Bleacher Report - Sabrina Ionescu, Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, Rhyne Howard, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Diana Taurasi, Jewell Loyd, Alyssa Thomas, Brittney Griner

The New York Times - Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird

WHAT:

New York Daily News - Sabrina Ionescu is not part of the 12-woman FIBA World Cup squad.

Bleacher Report - Ionescu expressed disappointment at her omission from the Team USA roster for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.

The New York Times - The 12-person roster includes seven first-time participants in the FIBA World Cup.

New York Daily News - The FIBA World Cup tournament is set for Sept. 4-13 in Berlin.

Bleacher Report - Ionescu was part of the gold-medal winning American team at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympics.

WHERE:

New York Daily News - The FIBA World Cup is taking place in Berlin.

WHEN:

New York Daily News - The FIBA World Cup tournament is scheduled for Sept. 4-13.

WHY:

New York Daily News - Ionescu dealt with back and ankle injuries prior to the roster announcement.

Bleacher Report - Sue Bird stated that the roster decision was not a reflection of Ionescu's abilities as a player.

The New York Times - Bird mentioned that the decision was based on choosing players who earned the right to play.

HOW:

New York Daily News - Ionescu plans to participate in all possible events to prepare for the 2028 Olympics.

The New York Times - Ionescu attended the USWNT training camp in April.

(UPDATED August 9, 2026 03:01 UTC)

Sabrina Ionescu has been left off the 12-woman roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in Berlin, a decision that has left her disappointed, especially after her contributions to the gold-medal winning teams at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. The roster features seven players making their FIBA World Cup debut, and Sue Bird emphasized that Ionescu's omission was not a reflection of her talent, but rather a choice based on performance and readiness. Looking ahead, Ionescu is committed to participating in all training events leading up to the 2028 Olympics, having already attended the USWNT training camp in April.