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Tina Charles built a Hall of Fame basketball career. Now she's building a brewery.
- Story by
- Tina Charles built a Hall of Fame basketball career. Now she's building a brewery.
This time a year ago, Tina Charles was still playing in the WNBA, grabbing rebounds and pouring in points for the Connecticut Sun .
Fast forward to 2026, and Charles has been looking at basketball through a different lens as a broadcaster, contributing to coverage of the WNBA and FIBA Women's World Cup at NBC Sports and TNT. And she's spent her spare time in retirement pouring hops into fermentation tanks.
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Indeed, the WNBA's all-time leading rebounder is now a brewing beer. Charles founded 78 Brewing Co. earlier this year and has released her first brew: The 78-0 Hazy IPA.
"I'm just trying to tell stories through beer and just trying to bring communities together," Charles told USA TODAY Sports. "The students are rolling back in for UConn, and I really hope it's a beer that's very attractive to them."
The number 78 is a nod to her decorated career playing college basketball at UConn , where she had a crucial role in helping coach Geno Auriemma's Huskies go 78-0 in her final two seasons in Storrs, Connecticut. The beer is available at bars and retail shops across Connecticut, as well as at Mohegan Sun Arena where it's served in a special edition "Sunset" can.
UConn is also where Charles discovered her affinity for breweries. A craft beer was the first alcoholic drink she ever had after turning 21.
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"I love a good hazy IPA. I love the citrus and tropical notes. It was always a beverage that I would gravitate towards when I was with friends or family or just hanging out. It was always around for celebratory moments," Charles said. "I wanted to make a beer that was for non-beer lovers and non-IPA lovers. It's very approachable, it's very crushable, and it doesn't have that bitterness bite. I just wanted a beer that's more on the smooth finish and crisp side, which is what 78-0 is."
Charles is now part of a growing but small group. According to the National Black Brewers Association, less than 1% of all breweries in the United States are Black-owned — and even less are owned by Black women.
Charles was inspired to start her own brewery after meeting Alisa Bowens-Mercado, who has garnered the nickname "Lady Lager" after opening the first brewery owned by a Black woman in Connecticut. Charles likened meeting her to seeing Teresa Weatherspoon play for the Liberty when she was growing up in Jamaica, New York. She had a goal she could achieve, something she could aspire to, something that seemed attainable.
"Seeing someone that looks like me definitely encouraged me," Charles said. "Representation definitely matters for you to have confidence in order to enter a space, and (Bowens-Mercado) was very encouraging."
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dives for the ball while Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22, 2026.
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) knocks the ball away from Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the second half at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Connecticut Sun forward Nell Angloma (33) drives to the hoop past Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) during the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, Georgia, on Sept. 17, 2026.
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) fights for the ball with Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) and forward Chloe Bibby (55) during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 30, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) reaches for a rebound against Portland Fire forward Amy Okonkwo (8) and guard Holly Winterburn (77) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) jumps for a rebound over Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41)at Target Center on Aug. 24, 2026
(Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Portland Fire guard Holly Winterburn (77) hits the face of Phoenix Mercury guard Valeriane Ayayi (11) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 16, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) shoots the ball against LA Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Aug. 9, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots over Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) during the first half at CareFirst Arena on Aug. 7, 2026.
(Brad Mills, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates with guard Natasha Cloud (9) after scoring a game winning three-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
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New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) drives to basket against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Portland Fire guard Carla Leite (0) vies for a loose ball on the floor against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the first half at Moda Center on July 31, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) blocks a shot by Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center on July 12, 2026.
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) and Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) battle for the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 12, 2026
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
Portland Fire forward Emily Engstler (21) reaches for a rebound past Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) shoots past Portland Fire guard Karlie Samuelson (44) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) tries to go to the basket between Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and forward Nia Coffey (12) in the first quarter at Target Center on July 11, 2026.
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 9, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after being fouled against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 8, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) fight for the ball during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 4, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 2, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) steals the ball from Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke (7) during overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Seattle Storm center Awa Fam (11), Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) reach for a rebound during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates with guard Olivia Miles (5) after a play against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Jun 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center on June 11, 2026 on Portland, Oregon.
(Jaime Valdez, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots against Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Wintrust Arena on June 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands up Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo, 113-91.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) sports her signature Nike Caitlin 1 shoe while warming up Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts to hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after her three point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 13, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) battles for a loose ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) pose for a photo after a game at State Farm Arena on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) blocks the shot on Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at PeoplesBank Arena in May 30, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) looks for a reboudn with Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Anna Wintour poses for a photo with New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant after the game between the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center on Aug. 5, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries is fouled by Alanna Smith #8 of the Dallas Wings during the first half at American Airlines Center on Aug. 7, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever is fouled by DiJonai Carrington #7 of the Chicago Sky during the first half at United Center on Aug. 8, 2026 in Chicago.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
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Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier lead Fever and Lynx showdown
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dives for the ball while Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22, 2026.
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Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier lead Fever and Lynx showdown
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) dives for the ball while Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sept. 22, 2026.
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) knocks the ball away from Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) during the second half at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas, on Sept. 19, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun forward Nell Angloma (33) drives to the hoop past Atlanta Dream forward DeWanna Bonner (24) during the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park, Georgia, on Sept. 17, 2026.
(Brett Davis, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) fights for the ball with Minnesota Lynx guard Maya Caldwell (3) and forward Chloe Bibby (55) during the first half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 30, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon (00) reaches for a rebound against Portland Fire forward Amy Okonkwo (8) and guard Holly Winterburn (77) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on Aug. 28, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) jumps for a rebound over Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41)at Target Center on Aug. 24, 2026
(Jesse Johnson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire guard Holly Winterburn (77) hits the face of Phoenix Mercury guard Valeriane Ayayi (11) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 16, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm forward Ezi Magbegor (13) blocks a shot attempt by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington (7) during the second half at Climate Pledge Arena on Aug. 10, 2026.
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) shoots the ball against LA Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Aug. 9, 2026.
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots over Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) during the first half at CareFirst Arena on Aug. 7, 2026.
(Brad Mills, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire forward Nyadiew Puoch (13) shoots the ball over Los Angeles Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) and forward Dearica Hamby (5) during the first half at Moda Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) celebrates with guard Natasha Cloud (9) after scoring a game winning three-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces during the second half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) celebrates against the New York Liberty in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) drives to basket against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (24) against the New York Liberty in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on Aug. 1, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire guard Carla Leite (0) vies for a loose ball on the floor against Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) during the first half at Moda Center on July 31, 2026.
(Jaime Valdez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) blocks a shot by Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor (12) during the second half at the American Airlines Center on July 12, 2026.
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) and Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) battle for the loose ball during the second half at the American Airlines Center July 12, 2026.
(Jerome Miron, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates after scoring against the Las Vegas Aces during the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena on July 12, 2026
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Portland Fire forward Emily Engstler (21) reaches for a rebound past Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) in the third quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Isobel Borlase (20) shoots past Portland Fire guard Karlie Samuelson (44) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 11, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty center Jonquel Jones (35) tries to go to the basket between Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) and forward Nia Coffey (12) in the first quarter at Target Center on July 11, 2026.
(Bruce Kluckhohn, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) and Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) reach for a loose ball in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 9, 2026.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Golden State Valkyries forward Kayla Thornton (5) reacts after being fouled against the Toronto Tempo in the first half at Coca-Cola Coliseum on July 8, 2026.
(Dan Hamilton, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) and Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) fight for the ball during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on July 4, 2026.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm guard Jade Melbourne (5) is fouled by Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 2, 2026.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) steals the ball from Seattle Storm guard Zia Cooke (7) during overtime at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Seattle Storm center Awa Fam (11), Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard (32) and guard Paige Bueckers (5) reach for a rebound during the third quarter at Climate Pledge Arena on June 22, 2026.
(Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates with guard Olivia Miles (5) after a play against the Golden State Valkyries during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on Jun 19, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
(Kelley L Cox, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) reacts after scoring against the Portland Fire during the second half at Moda Center on June 11, 2026 on Portland, Oregon.
(Jaime Valdez, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) shoots against Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 18, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) drives to the basket against Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) during the first half at Wintrust Arena on June 17, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Toronto Tempo guard Brittney Sykes (20) shoots the ball while Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) stands up Tuesday, June 16, 2026, during the second half of a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Toronto Tempo, 113-91.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 11, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) sports her signature Nike Caitlin 1 shoe while warming up Thursday, June 18, 2026, during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) reacts after scoring against the Connecticut Sun during the second half at Wintrust Arena on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) reacts to hitting a 3-pointer against the Las Vegas Aces in the second quarter of their game at Michelob Ultra Arena on May 23, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) passes around Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Chicago Sky, 93-58.
(Grace Smith/IndyStar, Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray (12) reacts after her three point basket against the Connecticut Sun in the second half at Mohegan Sun Arena on May 13, 2026 in Uncasville, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) battles for a loose ball against Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 12, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Mark J. Rebilas, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) and Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) pose for a photo after a game at State Farm Arena on May 17, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Phoenix Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) blocks the shot on Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins (4) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 15, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Rick Scuteri, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey (3) celebrates after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena on May 27, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
(Kamil Krzaczynski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun forward Diamond Miller (1) defends against the Los Angeles Sparks in the second half at PeoplesBank Arena in May 30, 2026 in Hartford, Connecticut.
(David Butler II, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Connecticut Sun center Brittney Griner (42) looks for a reboudn with Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) and guard Rhyne Howard (10) in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park on June 2, 2026 in College Park, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chance Gray (2) is fouled by Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young (0) as she drives to the basket during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on June 2, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Fever center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 4, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Anna Wintour poses for a photo with New York Liberty mascot Ellie the Elephant after the game between the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm at Barclays Center on Aug. 5, 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.
(Dustin Satloff, Getty Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries is fouled by Alanna Smith #8 of the Dallas Wings during the first half at American Airlines Center on Aug. 7, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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2026 WNBA season: See photos from the league's 30th year
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever is fouled by DiJonai Carrington #7 of the Chicago Sky during the first half at United Center on Aug. 8, 2026 in Chicago.
(Michael Reaves, Getty Images)
For now, Charles is sticking with the Hazy IPA, but could brew other beers in the future. In addition to brewing and her broadcasting duties — she's been a contributor for TNT Sports as it covers the FIBA Women's World Cup — she's also working on getting her master's degree in sports management from UConn. She's hoping that degree will give her a baseline for a WNBA front office role.
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As Charles was in her final professional season with the Sun last year, she knew the end of her playing days loomed and that other interests were tugging at her.
"Sometimes when it comes to knowing the time for retirement, your mind is more made up than your heart. But I knew it was time, I didn't need basketball to tell me," Charles said. "As ironic as it sounds, I knew I had things brewing off the court. I felt that I had fully released and did everything I could in the space of basketball. I was able to see the new generation come in and take it forward."
Charles had a long and accomplished playing career. At UConn, she starred alongside Maya Moore, Tiffany Hayes and Renee Montgomery and helped the Huskies win back-to-back national championships with unblemished records in 2009 and 2010. She was a three-time All-American, the Most Outstanding Player at the Final Four in 2009, and the consensus National Player of the Year as a senior in 2010. She is still the Big East's all-time leading rebounder.
After being selected first overall by the Sun in the 2010 WNBA Draft, Charles began piling up accolades at the professional level, beginning with winning the Rookie of the Year award. The 6-foot-4 center was voted WNBA MVP in 2012, led the league in scoring twice, topped the league in rebounding four times, was a nine-time All-WNBA selection, an eight-time All-Star and a four-time All-Defense choice.
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In addition to her rebounding record, Charles is also the WNBA's all-time leader in field goals made and is second all-time in scoring. Among players who have seen action in at least 300 WNBA games, Charles is one of three to average at least 17 points and nine rebounds in a career. The others in that group are A'ja Wilson and Lisa Leslie.
The 6-foot-4 center would go on to play for the Liberty, Washington Mystics , Phoenix Mercury , Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream before returning to the Sun for her final season. Last month, the franchise — which will relocate to Houston, Texas next season — retired her No. 31 jersey.
"It was bittersweet," Charles said of seeing her jersey lifted into the rafters at Mohegan Sun Arena. "New England and the state of Connecticut has meant so much to women's basketball as a whole."
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers of United States at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
USA's forward Angel Reese and Hungary's Agnes Torok at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup quarterfinals.
Hungary's Nina Aho shoots past USA guard Jackie Young during the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(RONNY HARTMANN, AFP via Getty Images)
Team USA's Napheesa Collier shoots over Czechia's Eliska Joklova and Natalie Stoupalova during a group stage game at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
USA's Caitlin Clark is challenged by Eliska Joklova of Czech Republic during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 match between USA and Czechia.
USA's Aliyah Boston of United States shoots over Gabriela Andelova and Eliska Joklova of Czech Republic during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup game.
Team USA's Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart at the FIBA Women's World Cup.
(USA Basketball)
Angel Reese interacts with USA teammates during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 match between USA and Czechia.
Breanna Stewart of United States is challenged by Monika Fucikova of Czech Republic during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
Aliyah Boston fights for the ball during in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(VIRGINIE LEFOUR, BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
USA's Caitlin Clark plays against Italy in the World Cup.
USA's Angel Reese during a game between the United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
USA' Caitlin Clark and Italy' Francesca Pasa fight for the ball during a game between The United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
USA' Caitlin Clark pictured during a game between The United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
Italy's Lorela Cubaj and USA' Napheesa Collier fight for the ball during a game between the United States and Italy.
Team USA's Kiki Iriafen goes up for a basket against Czechia's Petra Malikova and Julie Pospisilova during their group game at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
USA's Caitlin Clark looks on prior to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup game.
Caitlin Clark of USA dribbles under pressure from Yujie Chen of China during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
China's Shuyu Yang and USA's Jackie Young fight for the ball during the Women's World Cup.
Caitlin Clark of United States and teammates huddle prior to the Women's Basketball World Cup.
Team USA's bid to win a fifth consecutive FIBA Women's World Cup gold medal is off the good start after a convincing a 94-61 win over China.
Fan of Caitlin Clark looks on prior to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
Caitlin Clark of USA celebrates with Rhyne Howard during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
Caitlin Clark of USA in action agains Luo Xinyu of China during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
China's forward Luo Xinyu is blocked by USA's guard Caitlin Clark during the FIBA Women's World Cup.
The USA Women's National Team during practice before the FIBA Women's World Cup.
Caitlin Clark trains with Team USA ahead of the FIBA World Cup.
(VIRGINIE LEFOUR, BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Jackie Young of USA shoots during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
USA' Caitlin Clark pictured during a game between the national teams of The United States and China.
USA's Jackie Young scores during the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Group.
Here is the Team USA roster: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper
(Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images)
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese
(Colin Hubbard, Imagn Images)
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier
(Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard
(Colin Hubbard, Imagn Images)
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron.
(Daniel Kucin Jr., IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen.
(Lucas Peltier, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers of United States at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers of United States at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's forward Angel Reese and Hungary's Agnes Torok at the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup quarterfinals.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Hungary's Nina Aho shoots past USA guard Jackie Young during the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(RONNY HARTMANN, AFP via Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Team USA's Napheesa Collier shoots over Czechia's Eliska Joklova and Natalie Stoupalova during a group stage game at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's Caitlin Clark is challenged by Eliska Joklova of Czech Republic during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 match between USA and Czechia.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's Aliyah Boston of United States shoots over Gabriela Andelova and Eliska Joklova of Czech Republic during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup game.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Team USA's Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart at the FIBA Women's World Cup.
(USA Basketball)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Angel Reese interacts with USA teammates during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Germany 2026 match between USA and Czechia.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Breanna Stewart of United States is challenged by Monika Fucikova of Czech Republic during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Aliyah Boston fights for the ball during in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(VIRGINIE LEFOUR, BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's Caitlin Clark plays against Italy in the World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's Angel Reese during a game between the United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA' Caitlin Clark and Italy' Francesca Pasa fight for the ball during a game between The United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA' Caitlin Clark pictured during a game between The United States and Italy in the group phase at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Italy's Lorela Cubaj and USA' Napheesa Collier fight for the ball during a game between the United States and Italy.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Team USA's Kiki Iriafen goes up for a basket against Czechia's Petra Malikova and Julie Pospisilova during their group game at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's Caitlin Clark looks on prior to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup game.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark of USA dribbles under pressure from Yujie Chen of China during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
(Maja Hitij, Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
China's Shuyu Yang and USA's Jackie Young fight for the ball during the Women's World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark of United States and teammates huddle prior to the Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Team USA's bid to win a fifth consecutive FIBA Women's World Cup gold medal is off the good start after a convincing a 94-61 win over China.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Fan of Caitlin Clark looks on prior to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark of USA celebrates with Rhyne Howard during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark of USA in action agains Luo Xinyu of China during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
China's forward Luo Xinyu is blocked by USA's guard Caitlin Clark during the FIBA Women's World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
The USA Women's National Team during practice before the FIBA Women's World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Caitlin Clark trains with Team USA ahead of the FIBA World Cup.
(VIRGINIE LEFOUR, BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Jackie Young of USA shoots during the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA' Caitlin Clark pictured during a game between the national teams of The United States and China.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
USA's Jackie Young scores during the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Group.
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Here is the Team USA roster: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Phoenix Mercury guard-forward Kahleah Copper
(Daniel Kucin Jr., Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart
(Lucas Peltier, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese
(Colin Hubbard, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier
(Jesse Johnson, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard
(Colin Hubbard, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Indiana Fever center Aliyah Boston
(Trevor Ruszkowski, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray
(Candice Ward, Imagn Images)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron.
(Daniel Kucin Jr., IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Team USA looking for gold at FIBA Women's World Cup
Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen.
(Lucas Peltier, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Charles was also a key player for Team USA for more than a decade, helping the Americans win three Olympic gold medals and three World Cups between 2010 and 2021. In her work with TNT Sports this month in Berlin, Germany, she should be able to offer a unique perspective on what it's like to play for the national team.
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"I've spent my life just studying this game. With the World Cup, I can also speak from the experience of knowing what it means to wear that USA jersey. Gold is earned, it's not assumed, and you have a responsibility to go out there and take it," Charles said. "I'm thankful that (TNT) wanted the opportunity to have my voice to help viewers understand the game more and just what these players are going through."
The World Cup also comes at a time where the rest of the world seems to be making some strides in catching up with Team USA . At the 2024 Olympics, the Americans only beat France by a single point in the gold medal game. Many of the rosters in Germany this month have WNBA talent playing for them.
"Germany is playing at home, and then you have Australia and you have France. Spain is always competitive. I'm looking at Belgium," Charles said. " Emma Meesseman is a stellar player, Julie Allemand is a stellar point guard, and Mike Thibault is a phenomenal coach."
Should the Americans grind their way through the tough competition and capture what would be their fifth consecutive World Cup title, perhaps Charles will celebrate by cracking open one of her ice cold Hazy IPAs.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tina Charles built a Hall of Fame basketball career. Now she's building a brewery.
