Caitlin Clark has been named to the USA women’s basketball team roster for an upcoming training camp, opening up the possibility that the Iowa star will play at this summer’s Olympics.
The training camp will take place in Cleveland from 3-5 April, and Clark will attend if Iowa are no longer taking part in the NCAA Tournament. The 22-year-old has won three gold medals at junior level for her country but there has long been speculation she would make the jump to the senior team for the Paris Olympics, which start in late July. The final roster will be confirmed closer to the Games.
USA Basketball Women’s National Team announced today the 14-athlete roster for training camp pic.twitter.com/96GnEUO9Uz
— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) March 28, 2024
Clark will almost certainly be a professional by the time the Olympics roll around, and is the overwhelming favourite to be picked No 1 overall by Indiana Fever in April’s WNBA draft. She became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I history earlier this year, and has been offered millions to play in Ice Cube’s BIG3 league. She already has hefty commercial deals but could increase her income with a starring role at the Olympics.
Also included in the squad are veteran Olympians Diana Taurasi, Ariel Atkins, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson. Aliyah Boston, who was picked No 1 overall by Indiana Fever last year, will also attend the training camp. Clark is the only non-WNBA player on the roster.
The USA women’s team has won basketball gold at every Olympics since 1984, with their sole bump coming in 1992 when they took bronze.