The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament is scheduled to take place from March 11-17 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This event will see the U.S. national women's team, comprising notable players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kelsey Plum, and Paige Bueckers, vying for a coveted spot in the World Cup, which will be held in Berlin this September. Fans have multiple avenues to catch the action live, ensuring they don't miss any of the round-robin group matches against formidable opponents including Puerto Rico, Senegal, Italy, New Zealand, and Spain.
For those with traditional television subscriptions, the games will be broadcast across TNT, TBS, and truTV. A cable package that includes these Warner Bros. Discovery channels will provide direct access to the matches. Moreover, extended coverage and on-demand viewing options are available through HBO Max, catering to a broader audience who might prefer streaming services.
Cord-cutters or individuals without cable can still follow the U.S. women’s basketball team’s journey through various online streaming platforms. DirecTV offers a live streaming service with over 100 channels, including TNT, TBS, and truTV, as part of its “Choice” plan. A five-day free trial is available, allowing fans to watch the qualifying tournament without an immediate commitment. This offers flexibility to stream the games on a variety of devices, from phones and tablets to computers and smart TVs.
Another viable option for online viewership is Hulu + Live TV. This service not only grants access to Hulu’s extensive library of movies and shows but also features more than 95 live television channels, which encompass the essential TBS, TNT, and truTV for basketball enthusiasts. Hulu + Live TV currently provides a three-day free trial, presenting another opportunity for fans to stream the women's basketball qualifiers at no initial cost.
HBO Max subscribers can enjoy both live broadcasts and on-demand replays of the tournament. Subscriptions start at an affordable monthly rate, offering comprehensive coverage of the event. Furthermore, an enticing bundle deal is available, combining HBO Max with Hulu and Disney+ for a reduced monthly price. This bundle represents a significant saving compared to subscribing to each service individually, making it an attractive choice for sports fans and entertainment seekers alike.
The extensive television coverage marks a significant milestone for women's basketball in the U.S., stemming from a new multiyear rights agreement between FIBA and TNT Sports. This partnership grants TNT Sports and its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, exclusive English-language broadcast rights in the U.S. for major men's and women's tournaments. This includes not only the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup but also the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and FIBA EuroBasket 2029, promising a robust future for basketball coverage.
The U.S. team's roster is stacked with talent. Beyond Caitlin Clark, who is a standout player for the Indiana Fever, the squad includes the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers, WNBA all-star Angel Reese, who recently joined the cast of “The Hunting Wives,” and several 2024 Olympic gold medalists: Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young. Additionally, Dearica Hamby and Rhyne Howard, who secured a 3x3 bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, are also part of the team. Notably, Clark, Bueckers, and Reese are making their debut appearances on the senior national team, signaling a new era for U.S. women's basketball. As the reigning Women’s World Cup champions, having bested China in 2022, and with a gold medal victory over France at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA is poised for another strong performance.
The 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament represents a pivotal moment for the U.S. team, as they aim to solidify their place in the upcoming World Cup. With a star-studded lineup and extensive broadcast accessibility across various platforms, fans have unprecedented opportunities to support and witness the team's quest for international success. The new broadcast agreement ensures that these high-stakes matches are more accessible than ever, highlighting the growing recognition and prominence of women's basketball on a global scale.
