Caitlin Clark to Start on Bench for Team USA’s World Cup Opener

Star guard Caitlin Clark will not begin Team USA’s opening game against China at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Her reduced role has drawn attention from fans and media ahead of the tournament kickoff.

3 Sept, 20:21 — 4 Sept, 13:34

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Why this matters

The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin marks a high-profile return to European soil for the tournament, drawing intense scrutiny to the United States' opening matchup against China. Caitlin Clark's transition from a historic WNBA rookie campaign to the international stage represents a defining moment for American basketball, as she seeks to validate her regular-season dominance on the world's biggest court. The game also highlights the evolving media landscape for women's sports, with broadcasters and streamers prioritizing accessible coverage to capture a rapidly expanding global audience.

Key entitiesCaitlin Clark Team USA Women’s Basketball China National Team FIBA Berlin WNBA

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Fox NewsMixed1h ago

Caitlin Clark not in Team USA's starting 5 for FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup opener vs China

Caitlin Clark began the FIBA Women's World Cup coming off the bench for Team USA, as Kara Lawson went with two veterans options, Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young, instead.

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YahooMostly Factual1h ago