Sue Bird Explains Why Olivia Miles Was Left Off the USWNT Roster for the World Cup
Sue Bird addresses the decision to exclude Olivia Miles from the 2026 USWNT World Cup roster, emphasizing her role in future plans.
Background on Olivia Miles and Her Impressive Season
Olivia Miles, the promising rookie for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA, has had an outstanding debut season that positions her as one of the league’s most exciting players. Miles, who has gained significant attention for her technical skills and natural talent, is averaging an impressive 19.7 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game, shooting over 50% from the field. Her achievements also include winning three consecutive Rookie of the Month awards—a rare feat that highlights her major impact on both Minnesota and the league as a whole.
Her season with the Lynx not only solidifies her status as a key player but also helps the team lead the league standings, demonstrating her significant contribution to their success. With precise shooting, smart playmaking, and leadership on the court, Miles has quickly become one of the standout players in the WNBA.
The Decision to Leave Miles Off the USWNT Roster
Despite her impressive performance and breakout season, Miles was not included in the US Women’s National Team roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, a major event that attracts top talent worldwide. Sue Bird, the USWNT general manager, addressed the decision during a remote press conference posted on YouTube, explaining the factors behind the roster selection.
Bird noted that the team was carefully chosen from a highly talented pool of players, and unfortunately, only 12 players can make the final roster. She emphasized that Miles is an excellent young player with a bright future and has already represented the USWNT before. Bird assured that Miles will be seriously considered for future squads and remains part of the national team’s long-term plans.
The decision to leave Miles off the roster does not reflect a lack of appreciation for her abilities but rather the intense competition among skilled players and the need to tailor the roster to the tactical demands of the World Cup. Nevertheless, the choice sparked reactions among basketball fans surprised to see the young standout excluded.
The Significance and Future of Olivia Miles with the National Team
Miles’ absence from the current roster is not a closed door for her international career. Sue Bird stressed that Miles will be seriously considered for future teams, and this time the decision was influenced by roster size limitations and the need to select players with varied experience and skills suited to the World Cup’s competitive requirements.
Given that Miles continues to lead the Minnesota Lynx to a high league standing and excels in her season, it’s likely she will have the opportunity to join the national team soon, especially as there is a desire to inject new talent and build a strong team for the long term.
Additionally, Miles serves as a role model for young players, showing that even in a rookie season, one can reach high levels and earn professional recognition. The experience she has gained with the USWNT so far and her current development stage promise a rich international career ahead.
The Broader Context of the US Women’s National Team
The US Women’s National Team is one of the world’s top teams, with a long history of success and championships. The roster includes some of the best players from the American and global leagues, and selecting the team is a complex process that challenges coaches and managers. Each season, many talented players compete for a limited number of spots, requiring a balance of experience, skill, and role diversity to fit various tactical approaches.
The upcoming World Cup in Berlin is a key event on the women’s basketball calendar, demanding logistical and tactical adjustments. Roster decisions take into account players’ physical condition, international experience, and ability to integrate into the team system.
In summary, Olivia Miles remains one of the brightest prospects in American women’s basketball, and Sue Bird makes it clear that although she is not on the current roster, she is definitely part of the USWNT’s future plans. Her career is just beginning, and this WNBA season is proof that her journey in international basketball has only just started.