A'ja Wilson explained why she sat out Team USA's 2026 World Cup run, saying the decision centered on her long-term health.
The USA Women's Senior National Team captured the gold medal against France without center A'ja Wilson, who said her decision to sit out was about protecting her long-term health.
USA defeated France 97-79 on Sept. 13, winning its fifth consecutive World Cup title and 12th overall. Wilson and guard Kelsey Plum were ruled out of World Cup play on Aug. 31, with Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron replacing them on the roster.
Wilson, who received criticism for her decision, spoke to the media Sept. 15 and explained that she was focused on her health and wanted to make sure she could play at 100%.
"It was taking care of my body and what I needed to do," Wilson said.
"This ball is going to stop bouncing eventually, and I want to make sure that I at least feel good about that. And if I can't give myself 100 percent, I feel like I robbed not only my teammates but wearing that uniform, that USA uniform," she added.
Wilson Returns to Aces With MVP Race Waiting
The Las Vegas Aces entered the international break 27-13 and went 6-4 over their final 10 games before the pause. Las Vegas sits third in the league standings and has an opportunity to repeat as WNBA champion.
Wilson, the favorite in the 2026 WNBA MVP race, has carried the Aces in scoring this season.
She leads the league at 26.0 points per game and ranks among the top five with 9.4 rebounds per game. The South Carolina product also leads the WNBA with 2.0 blocks per game.
Wilson is in position to win a historic fifth MVP award, something no player has done in the WNBA or NBA.
When Team USA announced Wilson would miss the World Cup, journalist Linda Cohn questioned whether the Aces center withdrew because of possible insecurities connected to guard Caitlin Clark.
Clark made her senior team debut, averaging 7.8 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game.
Wilson, meanwhile, has an extensive résumé in international competition and has continued to produce at an MVP level for Las Vegas.
Wilson Prioritizes Long-Term Health
The 30-year-old center is averaging 26.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game while missing only three games this season.
Las Vegas has played 40 games, and Wilson has remained the centerpiece of its push toward another championship.
The Aces recently lost NaLyssa Smith to a season-ending knee injury. Las Vegas signed center Kalani Brown, who shot 37.5% from 3-point range in 2025 as a member of the Phoenix Mercury.
Brown gives the roster more size, defensive rebounding, and another option against bigger frontcourts.
Aces Begin Final Regular-Season Push
The WNBA season resumes Sept. 17, when Las Vegas faces the Seattle Storm.
The Aces have four games remaining, and none of their remaining opponents is above .500.
If the postseason began today, Las Vegas would face the New York Liberty.
The Aces entered the season as the favorite to repeat as champions in the WNBA GM survey. Wilson was also picked as the preseason MVP favorite.
