Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese to Team Up For USA’s Charge At World Cup Qualifying

Usually, when the names Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are mentioned in the same sentence, it is assumed that whoever is talking about them has their so-called rivalry as a talking point.

It so happens that, despite the obvious differences in skill and playing styles between the two WNBA superstars, the world still pins them as rivals. It is good for the game’s popularity, which is why their efforts to educate the media have gone in vain.

Then there are the battles that seem to prove that the competitive fire between them is what makes players, fans, and the media want to watch, analyze, and cover.

They may have played together in the 2024 All-Star game, but that was for a few possessions. In less than a month, they have to play more than that if they are to help USA Basketball come out victorious. They announced the 12-woman roster that will travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to take part in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament.

The United States has already qualified for the World Cup to be held later in September, but wanted to use this opportunity to have their players get a feel for playing with each other.

That arrangement is important if Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, along with other USA Basketball senior team debutants, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen, are to build chemistry.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese mark the changing of guard for USA Basketball

When Caitlin Clark was not selected to be a part of the Paris Olympics team, it drew backlash from both fans and many in the media, as they felt the WNBA and USA Basketball were missing the point.

Despite their attempts to influence the selection committee, the decision was set in stone, as Team USA preferred continuity and experience over marketing.

Now, after two All-Star appearances each and several records, the organization did not bother about the injuries both Clark and Angel Reese suffered this past season.

These FIBA qualifiers will pave the way for the future of USA Basketball: preparing the next generation of top-tier women’s basketball stars to take on the world, of course, by leaning into the experience veterans offer.

A few players have been excluded from the first training camp, so ideally head coach Kara Lawson will field Clark, Reese, Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Aliyah Boston as the second five.

Rickea Jackson would have been in Citron’s position, but she is entangled in a domestic violence situation involving her ex-boyfriend and NFL star James Pearce Jr. Which means she cannot leave the country until his trial is over.

Angel Reese heading back to Unrivaled

Since most of the players set to represent USA Basketball at the qualifiers in Puerto Rico are currently playing in the second season of Unrivaled, it made sense for the organization to schedule a pre-tournament training camp in Miami.

Angel Reese was not part of Unrivaled this season, but now, she has announced her return. She will rejoin her defending champion, Rose BC, who made some trades to facilitate the move.

She was already in Florida, as she mostly lives with her boyfriend, Wendell Carter Jr. However, that is in Orlando, and now she has to relocate to Miami. Even though the 2026 Unrivaled season will be over, expect Reese and her fellow USA Basketball teammates to stay put.

That leaves Caitlin Clark as the only player who will have to travel to South Beach when the training camp takes place from March 7th to 8th. It is possible that the entire team then travels to Puerto Rico from there.

Also Read:

• Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham vs. Bella Twins Sparks WrestleMania Idea
• Angel Reese Wants Boyfriend Wendell Carter Jr. To Flex Her 5 Jobs Outside the WNBA

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