The women's US basketball team are expected to leave Caitlin Clark out ahead of the upcoming Olympics. GETTY IMAGES

Reports suggests that WNBA newcomer Caitlin Clark is unlikely to be included in the squad and form part of Team USA heading to Paris for the Olympics this summer. Despite being the top pick in the WNBA Draft, various news outlets indicate that the Indiana Fever rookie will not make the 12-player roster for the upcoming Games in the French capital. 

The preference of head coach Cheryl Reeve and the selection committee reportedly leans towards seasoned players like A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, as per sources cited in The Athletic. Clark was among the 14 players invited to a Team USA training camp in April, but she couldn't attend due to Iowa's participation in the NCAA championship game at the time. 

"You always want to grow up and be on the Olympic team, but lucky for me, I have the opportunity of possibly not doing that because I want to be at the Final Four playing basketball with my team," Clark stated after her invite. "But if not, that's where I'll be. People that are on that roster are people that I idolise and have idolised growing up. Just to be extended a camp invite is something you have to be proud of and celebrate and enjoy."

During her time at Iowa, Clark achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I basketball. Additionally, she emerged as one of the most prominent figures in American sports. Following her selection as the number one overall pick by the Fever in April's draft, Clark has posted impressive statistics, averaging 16.8 points, shooting 37.3 percent from the field, along with 6.3 assists and 5.3 rebounds per game in 12 starts.


Rookie Caitlin Clark is expected to be left out of the Team USA women's basketball team for Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES
Rookie Caitlin Clark is expected to be left out of the Team USA women's basketball team for Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES


In a recent game against the Washington Mystics, she showcased her talent by scoring a career-high 30 points, including seven three-pointers made on 13 attempts, contributing to the Fever's 85-83 victory. However, reports suggest that Reeve's roster preferences for Team USA lean towards experienced players as they aim to defend their Gold in Paris.

According to reports from The Athletic, the expected roster for Team USA includes A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Sabrina Ionescu, Chelsea Gray, and Kahleah Copper. During the WNBA season, there will be a break from 21 July to 14 August to accommodate the Olympic games. 

Team USA will commence their tournament journey in Group C, facing off against Germany, Japan, and Belgium. Their first match is scheduled for 29 July against Japan. Team USA aims to secure its eighth consecutive Olympic basketball gold medal, and its overall tenth, in Paris.