{
  "id": 250343,
  "title": "Phoenix Mercury standouts that will play for Team USA in FIBA World Cup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/phoenix-mercury-standouts-that-will-play-for-team-usa-in-fiba-world",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-07T04:52:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/phoenix-mercury-standouts-play-team-045254799.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "With the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup on the horizon, the Phoenix Mercury will send two players to represent Team USA. In addition, head coach Nate Tibbetts will serve as an assistant coach for the national team. Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper have been chosen for the roster, demonstrating the Mercury's dedication to developing a squad with extensive international experience. As the WNBA continues to expand its global presence, players who have competed in FIBA events bring valuable leadership, adaptability, and experience competing against some of the world's top teams. The WNBA's global reach is exemplified by the World Cup, which will be held in Berlin, Germany, from September 4-13.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Phoenix Mercury send Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper to Team USA",
    "Nate Tibbetts to coach national team as assistant",
    "FIBA World Cup in Berlin, Germany from September 4-13"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The selection of Kelsey Plum and Kahleah Copper for Team USA underscores the Phoenix Mercury's ability to produce players with high-level international experience and skills.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}