PHOENIX — With the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup approaching, the Phoenix Mercury will have two players represent Team USA, while their head coach also serves as a national assistant coach on the sidelines.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks to drive past Connecticut Sun guard Leila Lacan (47) at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on July 19, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper were selected to the national team, while Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts will serve as an assistant coach for the Americans.
The selections showcase the Mercury’s commitment to building a roster with extensive experience, not only at home, but worldwide. As the WNBA continues to grow its global footprint, players with FIBA experience bring leadership, adaptability and experience competing in high-pressure games against many of the world’s best.
Aug 3, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kelsey Plum (0) reacts after scoring against Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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International experience has long been a valuable asset in the WNBA, where players regularly compete overseas and in FIBA events outside the league calendar. National team competition offers a different challenge, with shorter tournaments that create high-pressure environments.
Those experiences often translate into greater confidence, versatility and leadership when players return to their WNBA teams.
The World Cup serves as the latest example of the WNBA’s global reach. For the Mercury, it also underscores a roster-building philosophy that values players capable of thriving on basketball’s biggest stages, regardless of the jersey they wear.
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When the tournament concludes, those international experiences will return with them to Phoenix.
The tournament will be held in Berlin, Germany, from Sept. 4-13.
