A'ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum won't play for Team USA at 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup for health reasons

Two of the biggest WNBA stars won't take the court for Team USA in September. Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson and Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum will not participate in the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup due to injuries, USA Basketball announced Monday.

Plum and Wilson will be replaced by Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics.

Wilson's absence comes as a bit of surprise, as the 30-year-old has played in all but three games for the Aces this season. The four-time MVP winner has once again put up MVP-caliber numbers, averaging 26 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

While Wilson hasn't dealt with a significant injury this season, her decision to pass on the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup could be related to rest and workload.

In Plum's instance, a lower leg and calf injury has played a major role in her production this season. While the 32-year-old started off the season strong, the injury has limited both her availability and performance. Since joining the Mercury after a midseason trade, Plum has appeared in just five games with the team, and is averaging only 15.8 points, down from the 23.9 she averaged with the Los Angeles Sparks before the deal.

That injury won't just keep Plum out of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, it will also sideline her for the rest of the WNBA season, per ESPN.

While those losses will be felt, Team USA is still in good hands with the rest of its roster. After finishing second in the Rookie of the Year voting last season, Citron kept up that momentum in Year 2.

The 22-year-old is averaging 16.8 points and 4.3 assists. While her excellence from beyond the arc has taken a hit, she still managed to make the All-Star team for the second straight season.

Iriafen, 23, has shown growth in her second season in the league. She's averaging 15.3 points and 9.4 rebounds in 37 games.

That pair will join a star-studded Team USA roster that also features names like Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese, among other WNBA stars.

Team USA is looking to win its fifth straight FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. Play begins Sept. 4 and runs through Sept. 13.