As WNBA Playoffs Loom, ATL Dream's Howard And Reese Take On 2026 FIBA World Cup

ATLANTA, GA — Nearing a season wrap-up and looming playoffs, Atlanta Dream all-stars Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese will first take on the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany.

The World Cup, which will start Friday and run through Sept. 13, serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. This year, Team USA will take aim at its 12th world title.

Howard and Reese, a guard and forward respectively, were joined by the Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier and Washington Mystics' Sonia Citron during their arrival Tuesday in Berlin.

The four are part of a 12-player roster that includes some of the WNBA's heavy hitters.

These include Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever), Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings), Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever), Kahleah Copper (Phoenix Mercury), Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty) and Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces).

The Mercury's Kelsey Plum and Aces' A'ja Wilson were originally tapped to play in the nine-day tournament but have since been replaced with Citron and the Mystics' Kiki Iriafen due to health concerns, according to USA Basketball.

"I'm so excited to announce the 2026 USA Basketball Women's National Team," said USA Basketball Women’s National Team managing director Sue Bird in an Aug. 6 news release. "This is an incredibly talented group that has earned the opportunity to compete in Berlin. Wearing a USA jersey is a privilege, and I know these 12 players will embrace that responsibility as we go after another gold medal. I can't wait to see what this team accomplishes together."

Aside from Reese and Howard, the Dream will have two more familiar faces competing in the World Cup. Representing their respective home countries, Isobel Borlase and Sika Kone will also battle it out in the tournament.

The Dream have four more games to close the 2026 regular season before playoffs begin late September.

The current fourth seed must face the New York Liberty twice, the Chicago Sky and the Connecticut Sun to end its regular season. Playoff tickets went on sale Monday.

Multiple Dream players have shattered records this season, including Reese, who most recently set three rebounding and double-double records.

Howard, the league's current steals leader, tied for most three-pointers made in a season during the Dream's 89-81 victory over the No. 1 Lynx on Sunday. Howard is also at the top for three-pointers in the current season.

Here's how to watch the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.