PHOENIX — Two representatives from the Phoenix Mercury have been selected to participate in the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament for the U.S. Basketball team next month.

Guard Karlea Copper from the Mercury will be a player on the roster, while the team’s head coach, Nate Tibbetts, will join as an assistant coach. This opportunity honors the top talents chosen to compete and lead the national team on the international stage.

Though the United States has a strong track record of success worldwide, the qualifying rounds often present intense schedules and competitive matchups that challenge a team’s depth and cohesion.

Copper’s inclusion highlights her impressive recent performance and leadership growth. As a WNBA Champion, Finals MVP, and a gold medal-winning Olympian, she has developed into a versatile two-way player capable of guarding various positions.

Tibbetts, who guided the Mercury to the WNBA Finals, adds further representation for Phoenix. In his initial two seasons, he has emphasized a fast-paced, spaced-out offensive style combined with robust defense—strategies that closely match USA Basketball’s approach. His high-level coaching experience is an asset for the national squad.

Phoenix’s ongoing impact on the global women’s basketball scene reinforces the city’s rising prominence in the sport. The USA roster features established stars like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young alongside rising talents such as Paige Backers, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, and Angel Reese, signaling the depth of American basketball.

Copper’s selection demonstrates that her contributions with the Mercury have earned recognition far beyond local fans and onto the international platform.

The FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament will take place from March 11 to 17 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Fan Take: This news is exciting for WNBA fans because it showcases the Phoenix Mercury’s growing influence in international basketball, spotlighting homegrown talent on a world stage. It signals the league’s increasing role in developing players and coaches who excel globally, which can only elevate the sport’s profile and competitiveness.