Caitlin Clark’s omission from the Team USA roster for the Olympics has sparked significant controversy, exacerbated by the fact that Team USA Women’s basketball games are experiencing historically low attendance. Despite being the best team in the tournament and a perennial gold medal favorite, the lack of viewers suggests that Clark’s presence could have made a substantial difference. Clark, renowned for her ability to sell out arenas and deliver stellar performances, has been on a remarkable trajectory in the WNBA, which only intensifies the debate over her exclusion. USA Basketball’s regret is apparent, with Don Staley, a member of the selection committee, admitting that Clark’s current form would have made her a top contender if the selection process had been revisited. Staley’s comments subtly acknowledge the mistake without directly naming who Clark should have replaced, avoiding the potential fallout of criticizing current players.

Clark’s impressive performances in the WNBA—leading the league in assists and regularly breaking records—underscore her exceptional talent. Since being snubbed, she has been on a vengeance tour, outplaying and defeating numerous USA players in critical matches. Her statistics, including a near triple-double and key victories against top teams, illustrate her elite status. The decision to exclude Clark seems increasingly questionable, especially given that the USA announced their team well before the season’s peak performances could be evaluated, unlike other countries that waited until later. This early announcement has led to criticism that it overlooked players who demonstrated their prowess in the latter part of the season.

Moreover, Cheryl Reeve, the head coach of Team USA, has notably avoided discussing Clark’s exclusion with any depth or accountability, opting instead to deflect questions and display a lack of interest in addressing the controversy. This has fueled speculation that Reeve, who has shown visible irritation at Clark’s prominence, might have influenced the decision. Despite Reeve’s responses, it seems improbable that the head coach would not have input into the team selection process, as team fit and chemistry are crucial.

The omission of Clark, despite her standout performance and the historical precedence of selecting exceptional college players, raises questions about fairness and the committee’s decision-making process. The backlash, compounded by the poor attendance at Team USA’s games, underscores a broader issue: the exclusion of a player who could have significantly boosted interest and performance. If Team USA fails to secure gold, the scrutiny and criticism will only intensify, making Clark’s future contributions even more anticipated and significant.