Caitlin Clark's early performance in the WNBA will be crucial as it serves as her audition for a spot on the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team for the Paris Games, with the roster not finalized until June 1.

By the Numbers
  • Caitlin Clark was unable to attend the U.S. training camp this month, but will have the start of her WNBA career to showcase her skills to the selection committee.
  • The U.S. women's basketball team, aiming for an eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal, has a pool of talented guards including veterans like Diana Taurasi and emerging players like Clark, Kelsey Plum, and Sabrina Ionescu.
Yes, But

The selection process for the U.S. Olympic team emphasizes talent, positional fit, loyalty, and experience, which may pose challenges for newer players like Clark.

State of Play
  • The U.S. women's basketball team will gather in Phoenix in July before the Olympics for training and an exhibition game against WNBA players.
  • Caitlin Clark will kick off her WNBA career with the Connecticut Sun on May 14, where the selection committee chair, Jennifer Rizzotti, will closely observe her performance.
What's Next

Clark's performance in the WNBA will likely influence her chances of securing a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, with her debut game pivotal in showcasing her skills to the selection committee.

Bottom Line

Caitlin Clark faces a crucial opportunity to leverage her early WNBA performance as an audition for a place on the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team, with her skills and contributions under scrutiny for a shot at Olympic glory.