Caitlin Clark’s fame has been a blessing and a curse. The Indiana Fever’s rookie phenom has brought unprecedented attention to the WNBA, but some reports have said she will be omitted from this year’s Paris Olympics due to concerns about fan reaction.
On a stacked Olympic roster, Clark would have competed for playing time with established WNBA stars like Diana Taurasi, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart and Brittney Griner.
“I’m excited for the girls that are on the team. I know it’s the most competitive team in the world, and I know it could’ve gone either way of me being on the team, not being on the team …” Clark told reporters on Sunday. “Honestly, [there’s] no disappointment. It gives you something to work for.”
USA Today reported that Team USA’s decision-makers left the 22-year-old off the roster due to concerns about “how Clark’s millions of fans would react to what would likely be limited playing time.”
Fans have turned out in force for the three-point shooting star, calling Clark’s omission from the Olympic squad a clear snub.
“All she does is grow the game, pack arenas and set rookie records,” ESPN anchor Linda Cohn wrote on X. “What a short-sighted decision. Lost opportunity.”
On Friday, Clark brought legions of fans to D.C.
The Fever’s game against the Washington Mystics was played at Capital One Arena due to increased demand. It was a sell-out and the WNBA’s highest-attended game since 2007.
Others in WNBA circles pointed to Clark’s youth, early-season struggles and a deep player pool.
The May Rookie of the Month’s scoring and assist averages rank near the top of the league, but she also leads the WNBA in turnovers per game. The Iowa product has also dealt with an inconsistent shooting stroke in her young career.
Former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill noted that Clark has played almost nonstop since Iowa’s season began in October. The No. 1 pick in this year’s draft only had a week off between the end of her college career and the start of her professional campaign.
“In the span of weeks, she went from playing college ball, to becoming a professional, to having a grind of schedule. A multi-week break probably isn’t the worst thing in the world … ” Hill wrote on X. “I don’t consider Caitlin Clark being left off the Olympic team, a snub.”
Team USA’s path to an eighth-consecutive Olympic gold medal begins on July 29 against Japan.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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