The United States' top women's basketball talent, including WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, will convene in Berlin this September to compete in the Women's Basketball World Cup. This international competition marks a period of unity for Clark and Reese, who have been framed as rivals throughout their college and WNBA careers, as the WNBA takes a scheduled two-week hiatus from its 2026 season.
Team USA enters the tournament seeking to extend its impressive streak, having won four consecutive World Cups and holding an active 30-game winning streak. The team's performance in Berlin could influence the landscape of the WNBA upon the players' return.
Clark and Reese's on-court dynamic has been a focal point since their college rivalry culminated in the 2023 national championship game between Iowa and LSU. This narrative carried into the WNBA, with both players being top contenders for Rookie of the Year. Despite their competitive history, they have demonstrated glimpses of effective teamwork. Reese previously expressed a desire to be teammates, and they collaborated during the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. They also played together during the World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico in March, where Clark earned MVP honors and Reese led the team in rebounds. While there was a brief moment of perceived awkwardness when Clark appeared to miss a high-five from Reese during qualifying, Reese emphasized the importance of team chemistry and finding individual roles within the national program.
In Berlin, Clark and Reese will join established WNBA champions such as A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and Chelsea Gray.
National Anthem Protocols
The WNBA's varied approaches to the national anthem have drawn attention, with some teams historically remaining in locker rooms or off the court during its playing. However, national team protocols often differ. USA Basketball's code of conduct requires participants to demonstrate "proper respect" during the anthem, though the term is not explicitly defined. FIBA regulations also govern the ceremonies, emphasizing respect for anthems and flags of recognized national federations.
During the World Cup qualifying tournament in March, the U.S. team, including Clark and Reese, reportedly did not engage in any on-court anthem demonstrations. Past U.S. teams, such as the 2021 Tokyo Olympics squad, have presented a united front during international competitions, with players standing together, arms linked. As of Aug. 30, no member of the current World Cup roster has publicly announced plans for demonstrations during the anthem in Berlin.
Geopolitical Backdrop
The tournament opener on September 4 will feature a rematch between the U.S. and China, a contest laden with geopolitical significance. The U.S. has a dominant record against China in World Cup and Olympic play, winning all 15 previous encounters. China's performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they secured a silver medal, was celebrated as a national achievement. The upcoming game occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic and economic tensions between the two nations.
China's national anthem law, enacted in 2017, mandates solemn and respectful behavior during major sporting events, with potential legal consequences for disrespect. While this law does not apply to American players in Berlin, it highlights contrasting approaches to national displays at sporting events. The interpretation of pre-game ceremonies, particularly during the national anthem, may be influenced by the broader context of U.S.-China relations.