Caitlin Clark‘s exclusion from Team USA’s 2024 Olympic roster made headlines last summer, igniting debate and disappointment across the sports world.
Many fans saw the decision as a snub, given her meteoric rise in women’s basketball and growing star power.
However, fresh revelations from journalist Christine Brennan shed light on a surprising twist – Clark had already declined an earlier invitation to participate in the Games.
In Brennan’s new book On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports, the author explains that USA Basketball invited Clark to play in the Olympic 3×3 team well ahead of final selections.
While the 22-year-old had never competed in a 3×3 event, officials offered her a path to qualification through an upcoming tournament.
Clark ultimately turned down the opportunity, choosing instead to use the WNBA’s mid-season Olympic break to rest and reset.
Clark‘s decision not to pursue the 3×3 option came months before Team USA finalized its full 5-on-5 roster.
That team, coached by Cheryl Reeve, went on to win gold in Paris. Yet even before Brennan’s book, Clark had addressed the situation with humility and optimism.
Clark responded with grace
In June 2024, after it was confirmed she would not be part of the Olympic team, Clark told reporters, “I’m excited for the girls that are on the team.
“I know it’s the most competitive team in the world and I know it could’ve gone either way, me being on the team or me not being on the team.”
“Honestly, no disappointment. I think it just gives you something to work for,” she added. “It’s a dream, hopefully one day I can be there.
“I think it’s just a little bit more motivation. You remember that and hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there.”
Clark also revealed that USA Basketball informed her of the decision ahead of time, which she appreciated.
“They called me and let me know before everything came out, which was really respectful of them,” she said.
“They did the same for every girl that made the team or every girl that didn’t make the team.”
Despite Clark‘s composed response, criticism soon shifted toward Reeve.
Brennan pointed to several controversial tweets Reeve posted during the WNBA season, including one in May that read, “The W is more than one player”-a clear reference to the league’s increased focus on Clark.
“Just stunningly bad behavior by Cheryl Reeve,” Brennan commented in an interview.
“Tweeting at and about Caitlin Clark, kind of blaming her for not having Minnesota Lynx games on TV, but only Caitlin games on TV.”
The revelation that Clark had declined a spot on the 3×3 roster adds new complexity to the narrative.
Her absence from Paris wasn’t solely a matter of exclusion, it was also a conscious decision to prioritize rest over competing in an unfamiliar format.
As Clark continues to grow into her role as one of the WNBA’s brightest stars, the Paris Olympics may prove to be just a detour on her journey.
With Los Angeles hosting the Games in 2028, there’s still plenty of time for Clark to make her Olympic debut on her own terms.
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