MIAMI (United States) – The FIBA Women’s AmeriCup is the most prestigious national team competition for women in the Americas, and now offers more than just pride and continental glory. In 2025, the tournament awards one direct berth to the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 and six spots in next year’s World Cup Qualifying Tournaments. With all that at stake, teams will be counting on their stars to rise to the occasion and make a real impact on the floor. Here are some of the biggest names to keep an eye on in Chile—players who are expected to lead their nations to the top and keep them in the global elite:
Florencia Chagas – Argentina
Born: June 27, 2001 Height: 180 cm / 5'11" Position: Shooting guard Chagas was named MVP of the 2024 South American Women’s Championship and played a key role in helping Argentina secure its third title in the event, and second in the past three years. She averaged 16.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in what was her best performance yet with the senior national team. She’ll need to maintain that level of play in this much tougher competition. In the Argentine Women’s League with Obras, she posted 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Kamilla Cardoso – Brazil
Born: April 30, 2001 Height: 198 cm / 6'6" Position: Center Since debuting with the national team in 2021, Cardoso has steadily developed into Brazil’s cornerstone player—and arguably the most dominant presence in the tournament. She's currently in her rookie WNBA season with the Chicago Sky, averaging 11.5 points (on 52% shooting) and 7.1 rebounds (as of publication). Brazil confirmed she’ll join the squad in Chile just before the start of the event. Cardoso was named MVP of the 2023 AmeriCup, where Brazil took home the title after she posted 10.9 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.
Kayla Alexander – Canada
Born: January 5, 1991 Height: 193 cm / 6'4" Position: Center Alexander has done it all with the Canadian team—World Cups, Olympic Games, and now she's preparing for her fourth Women’s AmeriCup. A reliable force in the paint, she proved in Paris 2024 that she remains a vital part of the squad, contributing 9.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. In 2025, she wrapped up her season with Spanish powerhouse Valencia in the EuroLeague Women, where she averaged 10.1 points and 7.6 rebounds. In Chile, she’ll provide leadership and can serve as a mentor to the younger players.
Manuela Ríos – Colombia
Born: January 25, 1997 Height: 163 cm / 5'4" Position: Point guard Ríos played through an injury that limited her impact at the 2024 South American Championship, where Colombia earned its fourth straight bronze medal. Despite being injured, she did not miss a single game. She still managed solid numbers, averaging 9.4 points and 4.6 assists. Now fully healthy, she’s expected to be a key part of Colombia’s push to break past fifth place, where they've finished in the last three AmeriCups. She’s been playing at a high level in Brazil’s national league with São José, putting up 16.4 points, 6.6 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 steals per game.
Arella Guirantes – Puerto Rico
Born: October 15, 1997 Height: 180 cm / 5'11" Position: Shooting guard One of the most prolific scorers in the hemisphere, Guirantes brings offensive firepower wherever she plays. In the most recent season of China’s league with the Shanghai team, she averaged 17.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.4 steals. There’s no question that Puerto Rico’s success hinges on her offensive production. In 2024, she led the team to a fourth straight Centrobasket title, averaging a jaw-dropping 31.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 6.5 assists—enough to earn MVP honors. She also led Puerto Rico at the Paris Olympics with 12.3 points per game.
Hannah Hidalgo – United States
Born: February 22, 2005 Height: 170 cm / 5'7" Position: Point guard The Notre Dame standout just wrapped up her sophomore NCAA season by being named to the AP All-America Team for the second straight year, making her the fourth player ever to earn that distinction in both her freshman and sophomore seasons. Hidalgo dominated on both ends of the court, averaging 24.2 points, 3.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.7 steals. She also swept ACC honors as Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Internationally, she’s already worn the Team USA jersey at the 2022 U17 Women’s World Cup (7.7 PPG, 2.9 APG) and the 2023 U19 World Cup (10.7 PPG, 5.4 APG).
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