By ANNE M. PETERSON – AP Sports Writer, published on WNBA.com;
Megan Gustafson had 22 points and the Portland Fire held Indiana’s Caitlin Clark to six points in a 100-84 victory over the Fever on Saturday night.
Carla Leite had 18 points and 12 assists, while Emily Engstler had 16 points and 10 rebounds, the first double-doubles for the expansion Fire. Portland has won four of its last five games.
Aliyah Boston led the Fever with 18 points and seven rebounds. Clark played for 22 minutes, going 1 for 7 from the field with two rebounds, six assists. She got into foul trouble, collecting her fourth in the third quarter, and finished with five.
That’s one bad game from Caitlin Clark, she never found her rhythm and was in foul trouble the whole time.
Indiana Fever will head back home to host Atlanta Dream on Thursday night, while Portland Fire will go to Golden State, who are on a two game winning streak, this Tuesday night.
Veronica Burton had 25 points, six rebounds and a career-best five blocked shots, Gabby Williams added 19 points, six rebounds and six assists, and the Golden State Valkyries beat Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever 90-88 on Thursday night.
Clark’s 3-pointer with 3:55 to play pulled Indiana to 81-80 and Aliyah Boston put the Fever ahead with a jumper the next time down. But Clark turned the ball over with 1:32 left and her team trailing by three then again with 1:06 to go before missing a 3 with 40 seconds remaining.
Indiana had another chance with 24.8 seconds left and Sophie Cunningham scored on an uncontested layup. Williams missed the first of two free throws on the other end. Boston missed a turnaround jumper as the final buzzer sounded — sending the celebratory sellout home crowd into a frenzy.
As bad as Caitlin was in this game, the Fever are still in this game thanks to Indiana’s bench lead by Sophie Cunningham with 11 points and Raven Johnson, who scored a career high of 16 points.
Indiana Fever will travel to Portland for its second road game, while the Golden State Valkyries host the Las Vegas Aces for the second game of their three-game homestand.
INDIANAPOLIS — There is a distinct, rhythmic roar that echoes through Gainbridge Fieldhouse when the Indiana Fever find their transition groove, and the Golden State Valkyries found themselves squarely on the wrong end of it.
Behind a masterful balancing act from their cornerstone tandem of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the Fever weathered a fierce second-quarter storm to secure a hard-fought 90-82 victory over the WNBA’s sophomore franchise. The win pushes Indiana to a promising 4-2 start for the 2026 season—their best opening six-game stretch since 2012, the year where they won the championship.
For a moment, it looked like the Valkyries were going to pull off a massive upset. Lead by the veteran savvy of Tiffany Hayes (19 points) and a brilliant spark from rookie sensation Kaitlyn Chen (18 points off the bench), Golden State staged a relentless 26-18 second-quarter run. They walked into the locker room at halftime holding a comfortable seven-point cushion and all the momentum.
But the third quarter belonged entirely to Indiana.
Adjusting to Golden State’s suffocating defensive traps, Clark began carving up the perimeter, scoring eight points in the frame while dishing out laser-focused assists. Meanwhile, Boston anchored the interior, punishing the Valkyries in the paint. Indiana flipped the script with a crushing 29-17 third-quarter surge, establishing a lead they would never relinquish.
Inside the Box Score
Player
Points
Rebounds
Assists
Key Stat
Caitlin Clark (IND)
22
2
9
4-of-9 from three-point range
Aliyah Boston (IND)
20
16
3
Labeled 42nd career double-double
Kelsey Mitchell (IND)
19
0
3
Flawless 11-of-11 from the free-throw line
Tiffany Hayes (GSV)
19
2
2
Shot 7-of-13 from the field
Kaitlyn Chen (GSV)
18
1
0
Provided instant offense in 19 minutes
Rewriting History
The night wasn’t just a win in the standings; it was another milestone evening for Indiana’s foundation pieces.
With her bruising 20-point, 16-rebound performance, Aliyah Boston secured her 42nd career double-double, tying legend Elena Delle Donne for the 34th most in WNBA history. Simultaneously, Clark’s 9-assist showcase inches her closer to smashing Sue Bird’s historic record as the fastest player to hit 1,000 points and 500 career assists.
“Yeah, it was definitely really physical, too. Um, and they’re a really good team and they’re really good defensively and we battled and I thought we played really great defense, especially in the second half and um thought we got off to a good start, then we kind of dropped a little bit and then the second half was really really good and kind of powered us through.” Clark said postgame. “But for me personally, like it was definitely good to, you know, see my first two shots go in and then kind of go from there.”
When the Valkyries intentionally fouled late to stop the clock, Kelsey Mitchell put on a masterclass in ice-cold execution. Mitchell went a perfect 11-for-11 from the charity stripe, shutting the door on any hopes of a Golden State comeback.
Game highlights;
What’s Next
The Valkyries (3-2) will have another shot at the Fever as they face them on the 28th of May at the Bay Area for a 4-game homestand.
Aliyah Boston had 24 points and eight rebounds, Kelsey Mitchell scored 21 points, and the Indiana Fever beat the Portland Fire 90-73 on Wednesday night with Caitlin Clark sidelined.
The Fever ruled Clark out with a back injury less than two hours before tipoff, her first missed game this season.
Lexie Hull added 16 points on a perfect shooting night – going 4 of 4 from the field, all 3-pointers, and 4 of 4 on free throws – and had eight rebounds for the Fever (3-2). Tyasha Harris made her first start for the Fever, in Clark’s place, and finished with seven assists, two steals and no turnovers, but was scoreless on 0-for-6 shooting.
A great win for the Fever as they move above .500. Both of Indiana’s losses were by less than 5 points, meaning they easily could have gone either way. The Portland Fire, on the other hand, are having a fantastic start for an expansion team. Bridget Carleton has been balling, and it definitely helps that the Fire roster is packed with veteran players.
Game Highlights;
Next up for Indiana is their last home game against the Golden State Valkyries, followed by four road games over their next five matchups. Meanwhile, Portland will travel north to face the Toronto Tempo in a highly anticipated battle of the expansion teams.
For CC fans, I’m sure you all have been waiting for this.
Enjoy!
Caitlin Clark does an exclusive interview with five puppies.
0:42 – If you could have your own show what would it be about?
1:08 – What’s your favorite midnight snack?
1:33 – Is a hotdog a sandwich?
1:39 – What did you do over the off-season?
2:11 – Where do you get the inspiration for your outfits?
2:26 – Do you have any hidden talents?
2:47 – If you could time travel, what time period would you travel to?
3:37 – Who would be your dream courtside guest?
The Indiana Fever secured an emphatic 89–78 home victory over the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, powered by a masterclass performance from Caitlin Clark.
Clark finished the night with 21 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds in just 24 minutes of action, registering her 21st career double-double. In doing so, she rewrote the WNBA history books yet again. This marked her 12th career game with at least 20 points and 10 assists—the most in WNBA history, breaking further away from runner-up Courtney Vandersloot.
Caitlin Clark so far tonight:
21 PTS | 10 AST | 7 REB
she already has the most career games with 20+ points and 10+ assists in WNBA history, and she just added another with her 12th such game. pic.twitter.com/rvdItjjebt
Additionally, Clark achieved this milestone in a blistering 57 games, extending her record-setting streak of starting a season with four consecutive games of 20+ points and 5+ assists. Backed by 17 points apiece from Kelsey Mitchell and Sophie Cunningham, the Fever dominant lead reached 20 in the fourth quarter (89 – 69), answering any lingering questions about Clark’s early-season efficiency.
Full game highlights;
Seattle returns home for a two-game stretch starting Wednesday against Connecticut—the sole team they’ve defeated so far this season. While Indiana continues their four-game homestand on Wednesday when they host Portland.
In a thrilling, high-scoring overtime showdown, the Washington Mystics edged out the Indiana Fever 104–102 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, lit up by an spectacular guard battle between Caitlin Clark and Sonia Citron.
Clark once again proved her status as a late-game mastermind, fueling a fierce Indiana comeback after the Fever fell behind by 14 points in the second half. The phenom guard exploded for 17 points in the fourth quarter alone, capping her performance with a clutch, contested 3-pointer with just 1.7 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 89 and force overtime. She finished with a game-high 32 points, eight assists, and seven 3-pointers, carrying the offensive load despite struggling with efficiency on 10-of-28 shooting.
However, Citron countered with a masterclass in scoring efficiency to seal the road victory for Washington. The stellar guard racked up a career-high 30 points on an incredibly efficient 10-of-14 shooting from the floor while adding six rebounds and four assists. Citron’s steady hand proved decisive in the extra period, where she orchestrated the offense with five critical points and two assists to hold off the Fever and cement an early-season statement win.
Game highlights;
The Washington Mystics get the overtime dub over the Fever 104-102 🚨
Caitlin Clark just silenced doubters in the Indiana Fever’s 87–78 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks. Following a stellar 20-point season opener, Clark dismantled the Sparks’ defense with 24 points and 9 assists, showcasing the elite vision and scoring punch that defined her collegiate career.
Caitlin Clark handles look even better on #PhantomCam 😮💨
Fully recovered from the groin injury that sidelined her for much of 2025, Clark looked every bit the superstar Indiana envisioned. She was flanked by a scorching Kelsey Mitchell, who poured in 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting, helping the Fever shoot 49% as a team. The game also featured the debut of Monique Billings, scoring 9 points with 8 rebounds, who was signed by the team in the off season alongside Sophie Cunningham, who added 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Despite Sparks multiple veteran presence, they could not keep up with the Fever’s fast paced tempo. Kelsey Plum lead the Sparks with 25 points and 4 assists, while Dearica Hamby and Cameron Brink added 16 points and 11 points, respectively.
Indiana will face the Washington Mystics this Saturday to kick off a four-game homestand. Meanwhile, the Sparks will look to rebound at home with two upcoming games against the Toronto Tempo on May 15 and 17.
Despite the loss, Caitlin Clark just became the fastest player in WNBA history to record 1,000+ points, 250+ rebounds, and 250+ assists. She reached this milestone in just 54 games, shattering the previous record of 62 games.
Clark’s scoring and playmaking have transformed the league. This record proves she’s an all-around force and the new face of professional basketball.
The Indiana Fever dropped a heart-breaker in their season opener, falling 107–104 to the Dallas Wings in a game defined by relentless back-and-forth action. The contest was a statistical dead heat for much of the night, featuring 12 lead changes and 8 ties, with neither team able to carve out a double-digit advantage.
While the half-court battle remained even, Dallas found their edge in transition. The Wings dominated the fast-break points category, outscoring the Fever 25–12. This ability to push the pace allowed Dallas to capitalize on Indiana’s defensive rotations and keep the pressure on the Fever’s backcourt.
Kelsey Mitchell put on a masterclass for Indiana, leading all scorers with a blistering 30 points. She was supported by Aliyah Boston, who anchored the interior with 23 points. Caitlin Clark finished with a quiet but efficient stat line of 20 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, facilitating the offense through heavy defensive pressure.
For the Wings, Arike Ogunbowale proved once again why she is one of the league’s premier finishers. Ogunbowale led Dallas with 22 points, including a clutch, go-ahead step-back three-pointer in the final seconds that effectively sealed the game. Paige Bueckers debuted with a strong 20-point performance, while former Fever guard Odyssey Sims haunted her old team with 20 points of her own.
The Fever had opportunities to force overtime in the closing seconds. Both Mitchell and Clark had looks from beyond the arc to tie the game, but their attempts failed to find the mark.
Indiana will look to bounce back as they travel to Los Angeles for a Wednesday night matchup. Meanwhile, the Wings remain at home to host the Atlanta Dream this Wednesday evening.
Indiana Fever has officially announced the 2026 Roster
#0 Kelsey Mitchell: Guard
#2 Myisha Hines-Allen: Forward
#3 Raven Johnson: Guard
#7 Aliyah Boston: Center-Forward
#8 Sophie Cunningham: Guard
#10 Lexie Hull: Guard
#12 Damiris Dantas: Center-Forward
#13 Justine Pissott: Guard-Forward
#21 Makayla Timpson: Forward-Center
#22 Caitlin Clark: Guard
#25 Monique Billings: Forward
#32 Shatori Walker-Kimbrough: Guard
#52 Tyasha Harris: Guard
Stephanie White will be the Fever’s head coach, while Briann January, Karima Christmas-Kelly, and Austin Kelly will be the assistant coaches, along with trainers Alexis Gholston and Todd Champlin.
In related news, Indiana also announced that the team have waived Megan McConnell, Jessica Timmons and Kayana Traylor.
The Indiana Fever wrapped up their preseason with a promising 2-1 record, signaling a shift in momentum for the franchise. Led by a blend of veteran leadership and high-caliber rookie talent, the team showcased a more fluid offensive rhythm and improved defensive communication.
First game, Indiana Fever win against the New York Liberty;
The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty, 109-91, to pick up their first preseason win!
The Indiana Fever officially exercised the fourth-year option on Caitlin Clark’s rookie contract, securing her through the 2027 season. While routine for top picks, this move is a strategic necessity for the franchise to lock in their star player and continue to capitalize on her historic impact.
Under the WNBA’s current Collective Bargaining Agreement, exercising this option triggers the EPIC (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) provision. Because Clark earned All-WNBA honors as a rookie, this allows her to renegotiate her fourth-year salary to a much higher figure and potentially sign a multi-year supermax extension. Her compensation is projected to jump from roughly $78,000 in 2025 to over $500,000 in 2026, with the 2027 option year serving as the foundation for a future max-level contract, this is similar to the deal that Aliyah Boston, Clark’s teammate, signed two weeks ago.
By finalizing this team option, the Fever ensure roster stability and eliminate any risk of Clark becoming an unrestricted free agency after 2026. This allows the franchise to focus on their upcoming season, which starts this May 9th, and build long-term around their core talent. This basically confirms that Clark will remain as the face of Indiana franchise for the foreseeable future while receiving a significant pay raise.
The Indiana Fever had a strong start to their 2026 campaign with a commanding 109–91 victory over the New York Liberty at Barclays Center on Saturday. While exhibition games often focus on roster experimentation, the Fever showcased a high-octane offense that left the Liberty scrambling to keep pace.
Indiana’s victory was fueled by a balanced scoring effort as Kelsey Mitchell and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough led the charge with 18 points each, demonstrating the backcourt depth the team has assembled in the off-season. Raven Johnson, the No. 10 overall pick, shut critics down by making a game-high eight assists and proving she is ready for the professional spotlight. Caitlin Clark back from her USA basketball, ignited the crowd in her return to action, finishing with seven points and four assists in 17 minutes.
The Liberty, playing without their full starting rotation, saw strong flashes from Han Xu, who recorded 20 points and was a defensive presence with 2 blocks, and Breanna Stewart, who added 16. However, Indiana’s fast paced-game game and 32-point first-quarter explosion proved too much to overcome. The Fever now look toward their next preseason test against the Dallas Wings on May 1st.
Game Highlights;
The Indiana Fever defeated the New York Liberty, 109-91, to pick up their first preseason win!
The Indiana Fever and Aliyah Boston have agreed to a new contract, with the center signing a new, multiyear agreement through the 2029 WNBA season. With the agreement, Boston becomes the first player in WNBA history to sign a deal under the newly-created Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) provision.
Indiana did not provide any financial details on the contract but ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reports that the deal is “a four-year, $6.3 million contract extension with the Indiana Fever, giving her the richest total salary in league history to date.” Boston will earn $1M this year, then 20% of the cap through 2029, which is approximately $1.77 million per year, for the final three years of her contract.
The new deal secures Aliyah Boston’s long-term future with the Fever, especially since Caitlin Clark is expected to receive a similar, if not larger, contract from Indiana.
Indiana Fever will be the No. 10 in this year’s 2026 WNBA Draft and from the 1st to 3rd round, they made the best out of what’s available with their pick.
Below are the picks of Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft;
with the No. 10 pick in the @WNBA Draft, we have selected @GamecockWBB guard Raven Johnson 🌟
1st round – Raven Johnson from South Carolina, she’s famous for being waved by Caitlin Clark during the 2022 Final Four game between Clark’s Iowa’s Hawkeyes and South Carolina.
Stat-wise, Johnson is a 5’9″ guard, who has improved her outside shooting since “that game” against Clark and Hawkeyes in the Final Four. In her final collegiate season, Johnson posted career-highs across several categories:
Points Per Game: 9.9
Assists Per Game: 4.0
Rebounds Per Game: 4.0
Steals Per Game: 1.5
FG%: 42.3%
3P%: 39.8%
It’s funny how after what has happened between the two, Clark and Johnson are now teammates.
with the No. 25 pick in the @WNBA Draft, we have selected @VandyWBB guard Justine Pissott 👏
2nd round – Justine Pissott from 6-foot-4 forward out of Vanderbilt. Justine Pissott from 6-foot-4 forward out of Vanderbilt. She is the first Vanderbilt player to be drafted into the WNBA under fifth-year Commodore head coach Shea Ralph. In her last year in College, Pissott had a career year in 2025-26, putting up 11.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.9 blocks per game, all career-bests.
She will be a great addition to the Fever and playing along side Caitlin Clark will be a great stretch big with her career 40% in the 3-point line at Vanderbilt, 9th-best in school history.
3rd round – Jessica Timmons a 5-foot-8 guard from the Alabama Crimson Tide from the University of Alabama, she averages 16.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 2.3 apg and 39.4% from the 3-point line.
As the 40th draft pick, she will most likely be at the end of the roster and will be a 3rd stringer at the guard position and may see limited playing time.
The Indiana Fever have officially announced the return of fan-favorite guard Sophie Cunningham for the 2026 season. After being acquired via trade from the Phoenix Mercury in 2025, Cunningham quickly cemented herself as a cornerstone of the Fever’s roster and a locker-room leader.
Despite a shortened 2025 campaign due to an MCL tear in the final month of the regular season, Cunningham’s impact was undeniable. She stepped up significantly during Caitlin Clark’s injury-related absence, providing elite floor spacing and veteran grit. Her statistical contributions were stellar, as she shot:
47% from the field overall.
43% from 3-point range (ranking 3rd in the WNBA).
General Manager Amber Cox praised Cunningham’s “infectious energy” and competitive spirit, noting that her elite perimeter shooting creates vital opportunities for her teammates. Cunningham expressed her excitement to return to Indianapolis, citing a desire to finish what the team started during their “special” 2025 run. Now fully recovered, the sharpshooting veteran is expected to be a primary catalyst in Indiana’s 2026 championship pursuit, much to the delight of a fanbase she has dubbed the best in the league.
“Sophie’s that wild card. Sophie’s a dawg. She’s a competitor, but what she brings from an energy standpoint, she raises the level of play of everybody around her. She’s definitely an X-factor.”
After re-signing Kelsey Mitchell, the Indiana Fever added veteran forward Monique Billings to their roster. Billings, an eight-year WNBA veteran, entered the league in the same 2018 draft class as Mitchell. The two have already established strong chemistry this year as teammates for Hive in the 2026 Unrivaled basketball league.
Before joining Indiana, Billings played for the 2025 WNBA expansion side Golden State Valkyries. In her 26 games there, she averaged 7.3 points per game and recorded a total of 21 blocks and 16 steals.
Billings also brings experience playing alongside Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston. The trio represented the United States as members of the 2026 Women’s World Cup Qualifying Team, where Billings helped the squad to a 5-0 record while averaging 6.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Most recently, she participated in the April 2026 USA Basketball training camp in Phoenix, Arizona.
Indiana Guard Lexie Hull will stay with the Indiana Fever, the team announced. The resigning of Hull to the Fever was “prematurely announced” after a video of Caitlin Clark and Lexie Hull was posted on Hull’s social media account.
via WNBA;
Hull returns to the Fever following a 2025 season which saw the guard set new career highs in points per game (7.2), rebounds per game (4.3), assists per game (1.8) and steals per game (1.2). Additionally, Hull recorded her first career double-double in June against Seattle with 15 points and 11 rebounds, followed by her first career postseason double-double against Las Vegas in September with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Along the way, Hull helped the Fever lift the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup and secure a berth to the 2025 WNBA Semifinals for the first time in a decade.
Through five seasons with the Fever, Hull has appeared in 134 out of a possible 160 regular season games, totaling 741 points, 165 assists and 396 rebounds. Hull is currently just 25 offensive rebounds away and 19 three-pointers away from becoming 10th all-time in franchise history in both categories.
Before being drafted No. 6 overall by the Fever in the 2022 WNBA Draft, Hull spent four years at Stanford University where she made two NCAA Final Four appearances, winning the NCAA Championship in 2021.
“I’ve loved my years here in Indiana. I’ve built a life here. I love this franchise. I love the people. I love the fans.”
Indiana Fever has resigned All Star Kelsey Mitchell, with the two sides agreeing to contract terms ahead of the 2026 WNBA season. This will be Mitchell’s ninth season with the Indiana Fever, the team who drafted her No. 2 overall by the Fever in the 2018 WNBA Draft. The signing will keep Fever’s Big 3, the includes Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston for the 2026 WNBA Season.
Mitchell returns to the Fever following what was her most successful season, a year which saw the guard win the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup, earn her first All-WNBA First Team honors and named a finalist for 2025 WNBA Most Valuable Player. In 2025, Mitchell set a new franchise record for points per game in a single season (20.2), surpassing a two-decades long record set in 2003 by Tamika Catchings. Additionally, Mitchell was named a WNBA All-Star for the third-consecutive year and was a two-time WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week.
In the postseason, Mitchell led the Fever to the WNBA Semifinals for the first time in a decade, appearing in all eight of Indiana’s playoff games while scoring 178 points, the third most in a single postseason in franchise history, behind only Catchings (2012, 2015).
After the announcement of Kelsey Mitchell’s resigning, Clark and Boston has a special for their team-mate;
USA Basketball just announced the 15 players who will participate in a training camp set for April 1-3 in Phoenix.
A’ja Wilson
Azura Stevens
Brittney Sykes
Cameron Brink
JuJu Watkins
Kayla Thornton
Mikayla Blakes
Monique Billings
Napheesa Collier
Paige Bueckers
Rae Burrell
Rickea Jackson
Sabrina Ionescu
Stefanie Dolson
Veronica Burton
2025-28 USA Basketball Women’s National Team head coach Kara Lawson (Duke University) will lead training camp and will be assisted by court coaches Niele Ivey (Notre Dame), Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries), Shea Ralph (Vanderbilt University), Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury) and Stephanie White (Indiana Fever).
USA Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird is set to evaluate the current roster pool ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin. This assessment will include players from the recent qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico as the U.S. prepares to pursue its fifth consecutive gold medal from September 4–13.
Watch the evolution of Caitlin Clark from age 19 to 24. From her early days as a young scorer to becoming a complete floor general, her growth is undeniable.
These highlights show how her shooting, playmaking, and control of the game have reached another level.
At 19, she was already special… but at 24, she’s a superstar. Her range, vision, and confidence have transformed her into one of the best players in the game.
FIBA previously released a 10-mins highlight reel if Caitlin Clark.
Watch the BEST of Caitlin Clark in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments. From deep threes to elite playmaking, Clark controlled the game like a true floor general, showcasing her full offensive arsenal. This marks her first senior FIBA competition, and she’s already making a massive impact.
FIBA also named her as the MVP of the Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament.
Despite starting only in just one game, WNBA Star Caitlin Clark is named as the MVP of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament.
She posted the best average efficiency for her team (14.6), was the second-best scorer for the USA with 11.6 points (52.9 percent shooting), and recorded a tournament-best 6.4 assists.
You can visit Caitlin Clark’s FIBA Player Profile for more stats.
The U.S. Women’s National Team officially punched their ticket to the 2026 FIBA World Cup with an exclamation point, grinding out a hard-fought 84–70 victory over a resilient Spain. The win over the “pesky” Spaniards in their final qualifying match, the Americans finished the tournament with a flawless 5–0 record, proving they remain the gold standard of women’s international basketball.
From the opening tip, Spain’s signature defensive pressure disrupted the U.S. rhythm, leading to eight lead changes and 3 times that both team tied. Spain was led by the interior duo of Megan Gustafson and Raquel Carrera, who each dropped 15 points to keep the contest within striking distance. However, the depth of the U.S. roster eventually wore down the Spanish frontline, building a 12 point lead by the end of the first half and a 14-point margin at the start of the 4th qtr.
The momentum shifted permanently in the third quarter thanks to the explosive play of Kahleah Copper, who finished as the game’s leading scorer with 20 points. Her ability to attack the rim blew the game open, while veteran Kelsey Plum provided much-needed stability with 18 points, including a critical 11–0 solo run that silenced the Spanish bench.
Defensively, Dearica Hamby was the anchor, contributing 14 points and a game-high three steals that fueled the American transition game. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark—who was ultimately named Tournament MVP—controlled the tempo with seven assists and a highlight-reel block, ensuring the U.S. maintained its composure during Spain’s final fourth-quarter push.
With this undefeated cycle complete, the U.S. now shifts its focus toward the World Cup in Berlin this September. The team’s coach Nate Tibbetts’ squad heads into the main event not just as favorites, but as a battle-tested unit that has proven it can handle the heat when the stakes are highest.
The USA Women’s National Team stayed undefeated in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers after a commanding win over New Zealand in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The victory keeps the U.S. at the top of Group A as they prepare for the World Cup in Berlin this September.
The Americans took control early with a fast-paced offense. Star guards Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers led the scoring, while Angel Reese controlled the boards with dominant rebounding. New Zealand’s Ella Toefaeono and Bec Pizzey played hard in the paint, but they couldn’t overcome the United States’ aggressive defensive pressure.
Coach Kara Lawson relied on her entire roster, showing that the U.S. bench is just as strong as the starters. Although the U.S. had already earned a spot in the World Cup by winning Olympic gold in 2024, this game proved their younger players are ready for the international stage. For New Zealand, the matchup provided valuable experience against the world’s best team.
U.S. Women’s National Team will face Spain on the 17th March, for their final game for the qualifier, while New Zealand will look to bounce back against the Puerto Ricans.
The U.S. Women’s National Team continued its dominant run at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in Puerto Rico, defeating Italy 93–59. Despite Italy’s undefeated start to the tournament, they were no match for the Americans’ clinical shooting and suffocating defensive pressure.
The U.S. shot a staggering 52.4% from beyond the arc, Kahleah Copper lead the Americans with 15 points and Chelsea Gray’s masterful playmaking (8 assists). Young stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers wowed the crowd in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points each to seal the victory.
Defensively, the Americans held Italy to just 37.3% shooting, neutralizing threats like Cecilia Zandalasini. While the U.S. has already secured a World Cup berth as AmeriCup champions, this 3–0 start in San Juan, Puerto Rico, reinforces their status as global dominance in Women’s basketball. Italy (2–1) now looks to rebound against Spain to secure their spot in Berlin, while the Women’s USA Team will face New Zealand.
The USA Women’s National Team continued their dominant run in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers, defeating host nation Puerto Rico 91–48 in San Juan. Playing before a sold-out crowd at “El Choli,” the Americans never trailed, establishing a commanding 46–19 lead by halftime.
Paige Bueckers led the offensive charge with 16 points, while Angel Reese anchored the interior, recording a double-double with 10 points and a record-breaking 13 rebounds. After a double-double game, Caitlin Clark had 8 points and 2 assists with 18:37 playing time.
Despite a gritty defensive effort from Puerto Rico, the USA’s depth and size proved overwhelming. This victory improves Team USA to 2–0 in the tournament as they solidify their path toward the 2026 World Cup.
Here are some game highlights;
Paige Bueckers was named as the Player of the Game
The upcoming 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament will be broadcast by TNT after the network acquired the exclusive U.S. English language broadcast rights to World-Class FIBA Men’s and Women’s Tournaments.
TNT Sports is the new home for FIBA Basketball 🏀🔥
Catch games as early as March 11th-17th for the Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament across TNT, truTV, & HBO Max! pic.twitter.com/z3ruzwXqCx
While the Americans have technically already qualified for the World Cup, these matchups against international powerhouses like Spain and Italy serve as a high-stakes proving ground for a squad looking to refine its chemistry before heading to Germany this September 2026.
