Can U.S. women's basketball win eighth straight Olympic gold? - ESPN

The 2024 WNBA season is on pause, but there will be no shortage of meaningful basketball over the next three weeks as the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team looks to extend one of the most impressive dynasties in sports.

Team USA tips off the 2024 Paris Games on Monday (3 p.m. ET) in its quest for a 10th overall and eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal. The Americans open against Japan in their first group stage game.

Six-time Olympian Diana Taurasi and two-time WNBA MVPs A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart headline the 12-player roster. Team USA lost 117-109 to Team WNBA in the WNBA All-Star Game on July 20, but rebounded Tuesday with a 27-point victory over future group phase opponent Germany in an exhibition in London.

Our guide catches you up on everything to know about the U.S. women, the biggest challengers on their path to another gold, all the WNBA players competing in Paris and a quick look at the U.S. women's 3x3 team.

Twelve teams will compete in Olympic 5x5 women's basketball: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Serbia, Spain, United States and Puerto Rico. The teams are divided into three groups of four, with members of each group facing one another once in group play. The United States is in Group C with Belgium, Germany and Japan and will play those matchups in Lille, France.

The top two teams in each group, plus the two best third-place squads, advance to the knockout rounds, which will take place in Paris.

Team USA's schedule:

Monday: vs. Japan, 3 p.m. ET (group phase)

Thursday: vs. Belgium, 3 p.m. ET (group phase)

Sunday: vs. Germany, 11:15 a.m. ET (group phase)

Aug. 7: Quarterfinals

Aug. 9: Semifinals

Aug. 11: Bronze and gold medal games

Yes, the U.S. should be the