URGENT UPDATE: Fans are expressing intense disappointment after Team USA women’s basketball omitted star player Caitlin Clark from its training camp graphic, despite her inclusion on the official roster. The uproar comes just ahead of the training camp scheduled for December 12-14, 2023, in Durham, North Carolina.
The graphic, which highlights other top talents like Kahleah Copper, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young, has sparked outrage among fans who argue that Clark’s omission undermines efforts to promote women’s basketball, especially after viewership declined during the recent Olympics.
Fans took to social media to voice their frustrations, with many pointing out the significance of Clark’s absence in the graphic. Sports author Christine Brennan criticized the decision, stating,
“If USA Basketball really wanted to go all out promoting WBB, they would have added the photo of one other player to this graphic. But no.”
This controversy comes at a crucial time for women’s basketball, as the sport seeks to build momentum following the Olympics. Clark, who did not compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is widely regarded as a key figure in elevating the visibility of the game, and her absence from promotional materials raises questions about the organization’s commitment to growth.
The training camp will showcase a lineup of elite athletes, including Paige Bueckers, Brittney Griner, and Angel Reese, but the decision to exclude Clark from the graphic could hinder engagement efforts aimed at new fans.
With the training camp just days away, the backlash against Team USA is intensifying. Fans are demanding accountability and a clear strategy for promoting the sport and its athletes. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how Team USA addresses this growing discontent and whether changes will be made to prioritize representation.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds, and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #CaitlinClark.
