• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Clark’s Olympic Snub Ignites Debate, Reveals Complexities Beyond Court

  • Business and basketball goals are coming into direct conflict as a result of the decision.
  • Caitlin Clark took the omission in stride and says she intends to use the break to rest.
Michelle Pemberton-USA TODAY Sports

Another week, another round of the Caitlin Clark hot takes. 

Just on the heels of the WNBA rookie phenom being knocked to the floor in a game against the Chicago Sky—setting off a national debate—Clark was left off the USA women’s basketball roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. That decision set off yet another round of heated opinions, many hours of airtime across sports-talk radio and TV, and conjecture veering far beyond basketball into issues of race and gender. 

But just like most everything else surrounding the heralded arrival of Clark to the WNBA, there is more going on than just what lies on the surface, and multiple things can be true simultaneously. Among the key elements surrounding the Clark-Olympics debate:

  • Leaving her off was likely the best decision from a basketball perspective. The full roster has not yet been officially announced, and if there are subsequent withdrawals or injuries, Clark’s inclusion is still possible. But the squad that has been widely discussed involves players with more international experience—particularly recently—than Clark. USA Basketball’s top job in Paris is to win gold, as it has every Olympics since 1996, and the organization’s selections show a clear preference for veteran experience.
  • Clark has been remarkably poised about the situation. Continuing to show a level of grace and maturity perhaps beyond her years, the 22-year-old Clark took the decision publicly in stride, saying, “Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for; it’s a dream. Hopefully, one day I can be there.”
  • NBC Sports will almost certainly take a viewership hit because of this. This is a primary basis for the arguments to have Clark on the team. Media rights fund the vast majority of the entire Olympic movement, have done so for decades, and Clark has been the foremost driver in an extensive series of attendance and viewership records posted this year across both college and pro women’s basketball. Her presence would have further advanced and, in many ways codified, what already has been a breakthrough year for the women’s game. NBC Sports and corporate parent Comcast are also eager for a ratings resurgence after posting record Olympics lows in both Tokyo and Beijing. But this is also a situation where business goals and basketball ones are coming into direct conflict. 
  • There is still a downside to the TV-centric argument. Even if Clark had been selected for the team, she might not have played many minutes, again due to the greater level of Olympics and international experience among the rest of the roster. That could have created its own dilemma for NBC Sports by marketing the presence of a superstar and cameras finding her primarily sitting on the bench, in turn creating unfulfilled expectations among viewers.
  • Fans and advocates of Clark, not to mention Clark herself, might still be best served over the long term with this decision. Since the WNBA will shut down for a month to accommodate the Olympics, Clark’s not playing in Paris will allow her to take an extended break, something that hasn’t been possible since last summer as she went directly from finishing her stellar career at Iowa to the WNBA draft and then training camp, the preseason, and start of the regular season with the Indiana Fever. She said she is relishing the opportunity to rest both her body and mind.

“I’ve loved competing every single second,” Clark said. “But it’s going to be a great month for my body to get rest, get healthy, and just get a little time away from basketball and the craziness of everything that’s been going on. And just find some peace and quiet for myself.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Oct 4, 2025; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) celebrates after making an interception during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium.
exclusive

Big Ten Considering Investment From California Pension Fund

In the proposed deal, the Big Ten would spin off assets into a new entity.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Oct 4, 2025; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys outside linebacker Poasa Ute (35) and Wendell Gregory (4) celebrate during the third quarter of the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium.
exclusive

New Bill Aims to Prohibit Athletic Department, Conference Private-Equity Deals

The bill would bar schools from selling ownership stakes.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Napheesa Collier

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers. 
Sep 29, 2025; Inglewood, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) poses during media day at Intuit Dome.
September 29, 2025

Kawhi Leonard: ‘Not Accurate’ That I Had a No-Show Job With Aspiration

Leonard called the allegations of a no-show job “clickbait.”