Reigning champions and Tokyo favorites USA reveal star-laden roster

COLORADO SPRINGS (USA) - Reigning champions USA have announced the 12 players tasked with retaining their Olympic crown in the Japanese capital next month.

The list for Tokyo is headlined by experienced duo Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird, who will step out at their fifth Olympic Games, having first donned a national team vest more than two decades ago.

There is also a spot for three-time Olympian Sylvia Fowles, while there will be a huge buzz around Breanna Stewart, who was named MVP the last time the USA took to the global stage at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in 2018.

“USA Basketball has never been in a better place." - Dawn Staley

Meanwhile half of the roster will embark on their maiden Olympics, with Jewell Loyd, A'ja Wilson, Ariel Atkins, Napheesa Collier, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Chelsea Gray all set to debut at the showpiece event. 

"USA Basketball has never been in a better place," declared USA head coach, Dawn Staley who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist herself.

"I’m honored to be the coach of such an amazing collection of talented women, both those named to the team and those who gave their all the last few years but won’t be with us in Tokyo.

"The fact that some of the players who won’t suit up this summer would start for any other country is a testament to their talent and to what USA Basketball has done to build a program that lifts up our female athletes every single day. 

"I'm so proud to be the coach of Team USA and like all of the coaches, support staff, and our players, I can’t wait to make America proud this summer," added the play-caller.

FIBA