In a plot twist that left fans scratching their heads and double-checking their calendars, Caitlin Clark’s conspicuous absence from Team USA’s roster might just be the biggest blunder since “Deflategate.” The 2024 Paris Olympics’ opening game between Team USA and Japan, a rematch of the thrilling 2020 Tokyo gold medal clash, was expected to be a sellout. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. Instead, it attracted a modest crowd of 13,040, the lowest attendance for any game in the first two days. Ouch!
Here’s how the other games stacked up in the attendance department:
- Spain vs. China: 27,021
- Serbia vs. Puerto Rico: 15,324
- Nigeria vs. Australia: 24,023
- Canada vs. France: 20,211
- Germany vs. Belgium: 20,211
- Team USA vs. Japan: 13,040
For all the star power on the court, with past WNBA MVPs A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, and the ever-charismatic Sabrina Ionescu, the empty seats were glaring. Maybe it was the 9 p.m. local time start, or perhaps French fans had better things to do—like sipping wine and eating cheese. Either way, the lack of enthusiasm was palpable.
The real kicker? The game was pretty much a pro-Japan affair. It seems even the allure of Team USA’s elite roster wasn’t enough to fill the Pierre Mauroy Stadium. One can’t help but wonder if Caitlin Clark, the shooting sensation, could have tipped the scales. She might not be a global icon (yet), but her social media presence and rabid fanbase could have brought in curious international fans and a wave of American supporters willing to hop on a plane for a glimpse of their favorite player.
Let’s face it, Caitlin Clark’s inclusion could have been the secret sauce to draw crowds. She’s been a ratings bonanza for WNBA broadcasts and a consistent arena-filler. Sure, there’s no crystal ball to predict if she’d pack stadiums internationally, but considering German fans showed up in Iowa jerseys, it’s a safe bet she’d boost those numbers.
And let’s not forget the criticism. Team USA faced a barrage of it for leaving Clark off the roster. Her dynamic playstyle and electrifying presence could have done wonders not just for the team’s medal chances, but also for promoting women’s basketball globally. Imagine the buzz on social media, the highlight reels, the viral moments—pure gold.
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks and a member of Team USA’s selection committee, candidly acknowledged during NBC’s Olympic coverage that Clark’s initial struggles in the WNBA influenced their decision. “Caitlin is just a rookie in the WNBA, wasn’t playing bad, but wasn’t playing like she’s playing now. If we had to do it all over again, the way that she’s playing, she would be in really high consideration of making the team because she is playing head and shoulders above a lot of people,” Staley confessed.
So, did Team USA really drop the ball by not selecting Clark? It’s a tantalizing thought, especially when you’re staring at rows of empty seats in what should have been a marquee matchup. Perhaps next time, they’ll think twice before benching the player who could be the game-changer both on and off the court.
