PHOENIX — Two members of the Phoenix Mercury are set to represent USA Basketball in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament next month.
Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts talks with guard Kahleah Copper (2) during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Aces at PHX Arena Jun 29, 2025. © Michael Chow/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Mercury guard Kahleah Copper will join the roster, with Phoenix head coach Nate Tibbetts serving as an assistant coach for the tournament. The selections place both among the best chosen to represent and coach the national team on the international stage.
The United States has historically been dominant in global competition, but qualifiers often feature condensed schedules and matchups that test roster depth and chemistry.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during game one of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
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Copper’s selection reflects her recent production and growing leadership. A WNBA champion, Finals MVP and, most recently, a gold medal-winning Olympian, she has evolved into a dynamic two-way player capable of defending multiple positions.
Tibbetts, coming off a run to the WNBA Finals with his group, provides more than just additional representation for the desert. In his first two seasons with the Mercury, he has emphasized pace, spacing and defense. Many of those principles align with USA Basketball’s style of play, and he brings experience coaching at the highest professional level in women’s basketball.
Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts high fives Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) after calling a time out against the Golden State Valkyries in the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
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The franchise’s continued relevance on the global stage underscores Phoenix’s standing as one of women’s basketball’s high-profile cities.
With former champions such as Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young on the roster — along with emerging stars including Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen and Angel Reese — the depth of talent is evident. Earning a selection amid that competition shows that Copper’s work with the Mercury resonates beyond the Valley and onto the international stage.
The FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament runs from March 11-17 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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