Caitlin Clark, the former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar who is now a rookie point guard for the Indiana Fever, has garnered significant attention even before stepping onto the professional basketball court. The 6-foot guard is set to make her WNBA debut next month, and her performance will be closely scrutinized as she auditions for a spot on Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Clark will not be able to participate in Team USA’s training camp preparation due to the timing of her WNBA debut. However, the selection committee, led by Jennifer Rizzotti, has expressed interest in introducing new players into the pool, including Clark, recognizing her talent and potential.
Team USA is aiming for an eighth consecutive gold medal in Olympic competition, and several veteran WNBA guards are in contention for spots, including Chelsea Gray, Ariel Atkins, Jewell Loyd, Diana Taurasi, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu. Rizzotti acknowledged the need to secure the future of the guard position with rising stars like Clark.
Breanna Stewart, now a power forward for the New York Liberty, was the last WNBA rookie to qualify for Team USA for the Olympics, although she had previously made the Americans’ World Cup team as a sophomore at the University of Connecticut.
Clark’s decision to enter this year’s WNBA draft came as a surprise to many, as she could have further enhanced her visibility by remaining at Iowa for her fifth and final season of collegiate eligibility in 2024-25. However, the Indiana Fever, which also boasts All-Star talent in 2023 No. 1 draft pick Aaliyah Boston, secured the top pick and attracted Clark to their roster.
Clark’s addition to both the WNBA and Team USA could significantly benefit both organizations. Women’s basketball has experienced a surge in popularity stateside in recent years, even beyond the impact of Caitlin Clark games. Last summer, the WNBA witnessed a 36% increase in Finals viewership compared to 2022, marking its highest viewership in 20 years. The 2023 regular season also outperformed previous seasons in terms of viewership and in-person attendance. As a result, average ticket prices for the upcoming 2024 season have increased by 129% leaguewide.
