Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark is making waves before even stepping onto the court as a rookie point guard for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. She is set to begin her professional basketball career next month, with her performance serving as an audition for potential international play, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. While she will miss Team USA’s training camp, the selection process for the Olympics roster is based on a combination of talent, positional fit, loyalty, and experience, making it a competitive field for Clark to break into.
Team USA is aiming for an eighth consecutive gold medal in Olympic competition, with several veteran WNBA guards already in contention for a spot on the roster. Players such as Chelsea Gray, Ariel Atkins, Jewell Loyd, Diana Taurasi, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu are some of the notable names vying for a place on the team. The selection committee is tasked with considering both established stars and emerging talent, like Clark, to ensure the future success of the program beyond the current crop of players.
Clark’s decision to enter the WNBA draft this year came as a surprise to many, as she had the option to stay in Iowa for another collegiate season to gain more visibility. However, when the Indiana Fever secured the top pick in the draft, she seized the opportunity to start her professional career. With the Fever also having another standout talent in Aaliyah Boston, the team could benefit greatly from Clark’s addition, enhancing their competitiveness in the league.
The rise of women’s basketball in the United States has been evident in recent years, with growing viewership and attendance numbers for the WNBA. The league saw a 36% increase in Finals viewership last summer, the most in 20 years, and the 2023 regular season had higher attendance numbers than any previous year in the last 13. Ticket prices for the upcoming 2024 season have also seen a significant rise, indicating the increasing popularity and demand for women’s basketball in the country.
Caitlin Clark’s entrance into the WNBA and potential Team USA roster could further boost the profile of women’s basketball, both domestically and internationally. As a highly skilled and talented player, her presence in the league could draw more attention to the sport and help elevate the level of competition. With a strong group of veteran players and emerging stars like Clark, Team USA’s prospects for success in future international competitions look promising, setting the stage for an exciting era in women’s basketball.
