Leila Lacan Leaves Connecticut Sun for French World Cup Roster

Connecticut Sun second-year guard Leila Lacan departed Sunday to join the French national basketball team for training camp, ruling her out for the team's next four games prior to the upcoming 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup in Germany.

Lacan, who has averaged 11.6 points and 4.6 assists per game this season, will represent France at the international tournament held from Sept. 4 to Sept. 13 in Berlin. Her departure comes as the WNBA prepares for a 17-day midseason hiatus to accommodate the World Cup.

The Connecticut Sun currently hold a 9-27 record and have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Without Lacan, the Sun are scheduled to host the Chicago Sky on Tuesday and the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday at Mohegan Sun Arena, followed by road matchups against the Indiana Fever on Aug. 28 and the Dallas Wings on Aug. 30.

Lacan previously earned a silver medal with France at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where Team USA edged out France 68-67 in the final, and achieved All-Euroleague First Team honors after averaging 12.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists during the 2025 campaign.

Meanwhile, two WNBA games are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. The Golden State Valkyries face the Minnesota Lynx, who will be without injured guard Courtney Williams due to a right foot injury. Later that evening, the Atlanta Dream play the Los Angeles Sparks, with Atlanta listing center Brionna Jones as out with a left leg injury.