Kara Lawson has been appointed as the head coach for Team USA at the upcoming 2026 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which will commence in Berlin on September 4th. Lawson, who previously served as an assistant coach during the United States’ gold-medal-winning campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will now lead the squad into the international tournament.
The coaching roster for the event highlights a significant presence of WNBA talent, with several notable figures from the league taking on prominent roles for their respective national teams. Lawson’s coaching staff notably includes Stephanie White, head coach of the Indiana Fever; Natalie Nakase, from the Golden State Valkyries; and Nate Tibbetts, who leads the Phoenix Mercury.
WNBA Influence Prominent Across Coaching Staffs
FIBA has officially revealed the complete list of head coaches for all 16 teams qualified for the Women’s World Cup, and the compilation reads like a showcase of WNBA’s top coaching talent. This trend underscores the league’s growing influence on the global stage, as teams seek experienced leaders with proven track records.
Lawson herself brought considerable collegiate success prior to her WNBA and international coaching duties, having steered Duke University to consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference titles and an Elite Eight appearance in the previous season.
International Teams Also Lean on WNBA Veterans
The United States is far from the only team benefiting from WNBA expertise on the sidelines. Australia has appointed Sandy Brondello, coach of the Toronto Tempo and a bronze medalist with the Opals at the 2024 Olympics. Meanwhile, Belgium has enlisted Mike Thibault, a three-time WNBA Coach of the Year, to lead their squad. Additionally, Japan has turned to the league’s talent pool, naming a former Phoenix Mercury championship coach to guide their national team.