Team USA’s New Era: Who Can Stop Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Company | Chiney Today

A new era of Team USA basketball has arrived.

Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston join A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and a loaded American roster at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Can this new generation help Team USA capture its fifth consecutive World Cup championship—or could France finally end nearly two decades of American dominance?

Chiney Ogwumike and Senior ESPN Researcher Jason Joseph break down Team USA’s revamped roster, the different dimensions Clark and Bueckers bring to the backcourt, and why A’ja and Stewie remain the ultimate international basketball cheat code.

They also examine the biggest challengers to Team USA, including a dangerous French roster led by Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga, along with Australia, Spain, Belgium and a rising Nigerian program. Plus, Chiney explains how the World Cup could reshape the final stretch of the WNBA championship race.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Team USA begins a new era without Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi-What Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese bring to the roster-Why A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart remain Team USA’s ultimate advantage-Can Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga lead France past the Americans?-The other countries capable of making a deep World Cup run-Chiney celebrates Nigeria’s rise on the international stage-How the tournament could impact the Aces, Fever, Dream and WNBA title race

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