Sue Bird Defends Caitlin Clark Olympic Snub After Team USA Wins Paris Gold

Despite a standout rookie season and WNBA Rookie of the Year honors, Caitlin Clark was controversially left off the 2024 Team USA women's basketball Olympic roster, which went on to win gold in Paris. Newly appointed USA Women's Basketball Director Sue Bird defended the selection committee's decision, citing the importance of experience and the team's ultimate success, emphasizing that close games have been a consistent Olympic reality, not necessarily an indication to alter the roster. Bird, now responsible for selecting players and coaching staff for the 2028 Olympic cycle, has praised Clark's impact on the game and left open the possibility of her inclusion in future competitions, signaling optimism for Clark's role in the team as she approaches her prime. The decision to exclude Clark and other rising stars like Angel Reese from the 2024 team was influenced by their limited international experience, despite their impressive WNBA performances and All-Star selections. Bird's new leadership role marks a significant shift in USA Basketball's approach, with expectations that she will balance veteran experience and emerging talent to maintain Team USA's dominance. Overall, Bird's comments and the restructuring of USA Basketball leadership suggest that Clark's global stage career with Team USA is still unfolding and likely to expand in the lead-up to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.