Why Is Caitlin Clark Not on the Olympic Team? USA Roster Explained

Many fans are curious why Caitlin Clark is not on the USA basketball team for the 2024 Olympics. Her absence from the roster has raised questions and sparked considerable interest, especially given her impressive performance in the WNBA.

Here’s everything fans need to know about why Clark was excluded, as well as the details of the selection process.

Why is Caitlin Clark not on the USA Olympics team?

Caitlin Clark is not on the USA women’s basketball team for the 2024 Olympics because she was not selected by the Player Selection Committee.

Despite her impressive WNBA performance, the committee prioritized experienced players. These players have competed together in international tournaments and training camps. Clark missed the USA Basketball National Team’s training camp in April due to her commitment to Iowa’s Final Four run and this played a significant role in the decision.

The Olympic team selection process requires high-level WNBA performance, training camp participation, and exhibition games and Clark missed crucial opportunities to showcase her skills. Historically, the committee favors experienced players, with few WNBA rookies making the team. The current roster includes A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu, who have extensive international experience and proven synergy.

In a July 28 interview on NBC after the US men’s basketball team defeated Serbia, South Carolina basketball coach and selection committee member Dawn Staley discussed why Caitlin Clark wasn’t chosen for the Olympic team. Staley remarked, “As a committee member, your responsibility is to assemble the best team with the best talent. Caitlin, being a WNBA rookie, wasn’t performing badly, but she wasn’t playing at her current level at that time.”

Another factor in Clark’s exclusion is the strong competition for guard positions. The team already includes top guards such as Chelsea Gray, Jewell Loyd, and Kelsey Plum. This made it even harder for Clark to secure a spot. Despite her remarkable achievements and popularity, the committee focused on assembling a cohesive team with a proven track record in international competitions.

Clark’s inexperience at the professional level and limited exposure to international play ultimately influenced the decision to leave her off the roster.