Elena Delle Donne Takes Charge of USA Women's 3×3 National Basketball Team

Elena Delle Donne: Taking USA Women's 3×3 Basketball To New Heights USA Basketball's got a fresh vibe going, all thanks in part, with Elena Delle Donne stepping in as managing director. We're talking about a two-time WNBA MVP here, folks. Her new gig? She's leading our women in 3×3 basketball through upcoming FIBA challenges, aiming squarely at those 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Having announced her retirement earlier this year, Delle Donne's not ready quite yet, and this role seems tailor-made. Remember, she was an Olympic gold-winning member with Team USA back in Rio 2016. "USA Basketball was such a big part in my career," she told reporters. "Keeping that connection and boosting our 3×3 team feels like a true calling." The spark came from Jim Toohey, CEO at USA Basketball. Post-retirement chats led her back through various 3×3 events, rekindling her basketball fire. “Jim reached out, congratulated me on my retirement, and then asked, ‘What do you think about 3×3?'” she recalls. "I saw it in action during Olympics and just loved it."

Crafting a Top-Tier 3×3 Team Delle Donne's diving right in, prepping a fierce group that'll shine at November's FIBA AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico. She's looking at everyone from college athletes from top WNBA stars. But here's what she needs: players have got enough competition points per FIBA's requirements. What players fit her bill? It's all about energy and tenacity. "I'm after athletes who give their all, who can keep going when everyone's exhausted,” she said. “Versatility's key, and selflessness? Absolutely vital." For Delle Donne, playing under Team USA means putting team first. It did when she played, and it'll when she's creating teams.

From Star Player To Inspiring Leader Delle Donne's move isn't isolated—the same transition happened with legend Sue Bird, who joined USA Basketball's leadership too. It's a trend, former stars stepping up, especially after they snagged only a bronze at Paris 2024. Delle Donne plans on revving 3×3 energy, especially with LA hosting 2028. Nobody's saying it's all smooth. Remember, a surprise loss at FIBA World Cup against Mongolia still stings. Yet, coming off a silver after an overtime heartbreak against Canada, they're hungry. And Delle Donne? She's stoked, ready turn past mishaps around, aiming high at AmeriCup.

Completes Full Circle Looking back, Delle Donne's psyched about giving players those life-defining moments she loved. "I'll never forget when they called about making those team," she reminisces about her own national call-ups. "Now, having a chance tell someone they're in—seeing dreams come true—each call will be its own special, full-circle victory."