Sports critics had mixed reactions to the news that Caitlin Clark would not be joining the U.S. women’s basketball team at the Olympics this summer. The Indiana Fever rookie, who is the all-time NCAA Division I basketball scoring leader, did not make the 12-player roster, which includes veterans such as Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson. Concern over how Clark’s massive fanbase would react to limited playing time on the veteran-heavy team played a role in the decision.
Some critics, such as sports commentator Mike Lupica, slammed the decision to leave Clark off the roster, calling it “monumentally dumb.” ESPN’s Linda Cohn called it a “lost opportunity” as Clark has been a key player in growing the game and setting rookie records. Jemele Hill, on the other hand, suggested that not being on the Olympic team could be a good thing for Clark, allowing her a break from a busy schedule and the opportunity to eventually make an Olympic team in the future.
Despite the backlash, some commentators pointed out that the historically successful U.S. Women’s Olympic basketball team will be fine without Clark, and that she will have another chance to compete in four years. Others, like Christine Brennan, emphasized the importance of Clark’s omission, highlighting the lack of coverage and interest in women’s Olympic basketball in the past. Colin Cowherd raised the issue of revenue generated from broadcasting partners, suggesting that Clark’s popularity could have been an opportunity wasted for the Olympics.
Overall, the decision to exclude Caitlin Clark from the U.S. women’s Olympic basketball team sparked debate among sports critics, fans, and commentators. While some viewed it as a missed opportunity given Clark’s popularity and potential to attract viewers, others pointed to the team’s success and the opportunity for Clark to compete in future Olympics. The issue raised questions about player selection, fan engagement, and the importance of growing women’s basketball on a global stage.
