Elena Delle Donne 3×3 role kicks off as she takes over USA Basketball’s women’s 3×3 team ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
Elena Delle Donne said goodbye to the WNBA this year. But she didn’t really say goodbye to basketball. Not even close.
She’s back already, this time with USA Basketball. Her new gig? Managing director of the women’s 3×3 national team. First person to ever hold the job.
And she’s serious about it.
3×3 Is Different
This isn’t the same game she dominated in Washington and Chicago. 3×3 is fast. Chaotic. You mess up, and you pay instantly. Possessions are gone in 12 seconds. You don’t get to hide in a system.
Delle Donne likes that. Loves it, actually. “It’s constant action, constant decisions,” she said. “I think it shows what a player really has.”
Paris Was Bronze. LA Has To Be Gold.
The U.S. women finished with bronze in Paris. Not bad, but not the standard. Not for American basketball.
Now the Olympics are coming to Los Angeles in 2028. On home soil. With all eyes watching. Delle Donne’s job is clear: build a team that wins gold.
She’ll pick the coaches. She’ll pick the players. She’ll help shape how the U.S. plays the game.
More Than Just Medals
She’s not only thinking podiums. She’s thinking development. 3×3 forces players to shoot. To defend. To think faster. “You touch the ball more,” she said. “That confidence can change a player’s whole career.”
Not Alone in This
She’s already talking with Sue Bird, who’s in charge of the women’s 5-on-5, and Jimmer Fredette, who runs the men’s 3×3. It’s a strong trio. All former players. All respected.
The timing? Perfect. Three years to get it right before the biggest stage.
Still in the Gym
And yeah, she’s retired. But don’t think she’s done. She still trains. Still shoots. Still works out with her 12-year-old niece. Still ready to jump in on a drill if needed.
That’s just her.
Bigger Picture
Women’s basketball is booming — the WNBA is growing, college stars are breaking records, 3×3 is starting to catch fire.
Elena Delle Donne is part of that next wave. She’s not the star on the court anymore. She’s the builder now.
And if history tells us anything, she usually wins.
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