Natalie Nakase Named Assistant Coach for 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup
WNBA Golden State Valkyries

Natalie Nakase Named Assistant Coach for 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup

Published on August 6, 2026 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Golden State Valkyries News Release


Team USA announced the 2026 USA Basketball Women's National Team roster, with Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase serving as an assistant coach when the team competes at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup.

The 2026 USA Basketball Women's National Team will compete at the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup, set for Sept. 4-13, in Berlin. The team is highlighted by 12 athletes with extensive USA Basketball experience, combining for 14 Olympic and nine World Cup gold medals. The team also features seven players making their World Cup debuts. The USA are seeking their fifth consecutive - and 12th overall - World Cup gold medal.

At the World Cup, USA Women's National Team head coach Kara Lawson (Duke University) will be assisted by Natalie Nakase (Golden State Valkyries), Nate Tibbetts (Phoenix Mercury) and Stephanie White (Indiana Fever). Nakase, Tibbetts and White served on staff for the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament and were court coaches at both the December 2025 and April 2026 USA Women's National Team training camps. Additionally, Jose Fernandez (Dallas Wings) and Tia Jackson (Duke University) will serve as scout coaches.

The U.S. open group play against China on Sept. 4, followed by Italy on Sept. 6 and Czechia on Sept. 7. A full schedule, including game times and broadcast information, is available here.

At the World Cup, the USA are 8-0 all-time vs. China, last defeating the Chinese 83-61 in the 2022 FIBA Women's World Cup final. The USA are 1-1 all-time vs. Italy, with this being the first matchup between the two nations since the USA outlasted the Italians 66-64 in 1979. The USA are 2-0 all-time against Czechia with the USA most recently notching an 89-69 win in 2010.

The remaining 12 teams are split into three groups. The top team in each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals, to be held Sept. 10, while the other eight advancing nations will move to the play-in round on Sept. 8 and Sept. 9.

The semifinals are set for Sept. 12 and the final will take place Sept. 13.

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