Following Team USA women’s basketball team’s fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal victory on September 13, attention is turning to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the team will seek its ninth consecutive Olympic gold since 1996. With nearly two years remaining before the Games, key roster decisions are expected as the team prepares under the direction of Sue Bird, the women’s national team director.

Historically, the transition from the World Cup roster to the Olympic roster has seen considerable continuity, with roughly 70 percent of players retained in recent cycles. Factoring in last-minute changes and injuries, the retention rate may be even higher, suggesting that eight to nine players from the World Cup squad are likely to be part of the Los Angeles roster.

Among the leading figures expected to remain is Breanna Stewart, New York Liberty forward and the most seasoned Olympian on the team. At 32 years old, Stewart has yet to experience defeat in major international tournaments and will be pursuing her fourth Olympic gold medal. Her leadership and consistent performance make her a foundational player as the team moves forward.

A’ja Wilson, the four-time WNBA MVP with the Las Vegas Aces, missed the recent World Cup due to a back injury, but remains a significant presence. Wilson’s future involvement will depend in part on how she prioritizes Team USA commitments amid her professional career, especially given her absence from the World Cup qualifiers and pre-camp.

Other veterans likely to secure Olympic spots include Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, who, despite a subdued World Cup, played significant minutes in critical moments. Chelsea Gray, also from the Las Vegas Aces, provides experienced guard depth and floor leadership, while Jackie Young, recognized for her defensive and three-point shooting skills, is positioned as a key guard/wing contributor.

Younger players are expected to feature prominently as well. Aliyah Boston, center for the Indiana Fever, has demonstrated growth in both inside and perimeter play, positioning her as a vital link between experienced veterans and emerging talent. Angel Reese, 24, showed versatility and defensive strengths during the World Cup and could gain valuable Olympic experience as part of the post rotation.

Guard depth will be a focus going into 2028, with players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers anticipated to compete for roles. Clark, despite a mixed shooting performance at the World Cup, has shown the potential to be a reliable backup point guard. Bueckers, who saw action primarily off-ball in Berlin, will bring more WNBA playoff experience by the time of the Olympics, strengthening the guard rotation.

Olivia Miles, a 25-year-old guard with relatively limited national team experience, is also a possible inclusion. Her presence would reflect a forward-looking approach as Team USA considers not only the 2028 Games but the continuity of talent through 2032 and beyond.

Veteran forward Kahleah Copper appears positioned to retain her roster spot, though emerging players like Rhyne Howard and Kelsey Plum could challenge for a place depending on team needs for shooting and defensive versatility.

The team may also include a young rookie or collegiate player to sustain its talent pipeline, following a tradition of integrating promising newcomers gradually to build experience for future cycles. Candidates such as Juju Watkins from USC and Sarah Strong from UConn are among those who could fill this developmental role on the squad.

As preparations continue, Team USA’s roster decisions will balance experience and emerging talent to maintain its dominance on the international stage at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.