COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The United States Basketball Association has selected its 12-man roster for the Paris Olympics, but one of the sport’s biggest names is not on the list, according to multiple reports.
The roster reportedly selected to go to Paris to compete in the Olympics this summer includes WNBA superstars A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Brittney Griner. Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark, who joined the WNBA after a historic collegiate career at the University of Iowa, was reportedly not selected to go to the Olympics.
The U.S. team has been home to a long list of WNBA superstars and has been a dominant force in the Olympics, winning the past seven gold medals in women’s basketball.
2024 USA Women’s Basketball Olympic Team roster announced
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
- Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
- Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury)
- Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut Sun)
- Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury)
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
- Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm)
- Kelsey Plum (Las Vegas Aces)
- Jackie Young (Las Vegas Aces)
- Kalea Copper (Phoenix Mercury)
- Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)
- Chelsea Gray (Las Vegas Aces)
The reported U.S. roster includes 18 WNBA championship rings, four WNBA MVP awards and 55 All-Star appearances. They open their Olympic tournament on July 29 in Lille against Japan.
The U.S. team will dominate and look certain to win its eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, but Clark’s absence will be a major talking point.
Clark’s performances at Iowa and Indiana Fever University regularly drew sellout crowds and high television ratings throughout her collegiate career, a trend that has continued in the WNBA. The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, Clark was named WNBA Rookie of the Year in May and is currently averaging 16.8 points, 6 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.8 three-pointers per game.
She was also widely discussed after Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter tackled her to the floor before an inbounds pass. Carter was called for a flagrant foul in the controversial incident. “I grew up playing basketball with boys and it was always physical and intense, so I had to find a way to stand up for myself,” Clark said.
The women’s 3×3 basketball team will also be heading to Paris. The team features WNBA rookie Cameron Brink, college guard Hailey Van Lith, and WNBA All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Sierra Burdick. All Olympic basketball tournament coverage can be viewed on NBC4 and NBCUniversal channels.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
