WNBA enters FIBA World Cup break as playoff spots are secured

The WNBA has entered a 16-day hiatus for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, which begins on September 4 in Berlin, Germany. During this break, all eight playoff spots have been secured, leaving the final four games of the regular season to focus on seeding and home-court advantage. Minnesota currently holds the best record, followed closely by Golden State.

Individual performances have reached historic levels heading into the break. Angel Reese has set new WNBA single-game and single-season rebounding records, while Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell continue to drive the Indiana Fever's playoff positioning.

The New York Liberty will have the largest international presence at the tournament, with seven players representing nations including France, Nigeria, China, Germany, Australia, Spain, and the Bahamas. Team USA, led by coach Kara Lawson, will compete for its fifth consecutive gold medal with a roster featuring stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston, following the late withdrawal of A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to medical reasons.