Team USA women’s basketball has drawn criticism after leaving Caitlin Clark out of the promotional graphic accompanying its training camp roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup. The announcement, released on Monday, listed the 18 players selected to attend the Dec. 2-14 training camp in Durham, North Carolina, including stars like Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, and Dearica Hamby. However, Clark, a rising star in the WNBA and one of the most prominent players in the sport, was notably absent from the graphic, which featured three athletes who won gold at the Paris Olympics. This omission has sparked widespread speculation and criticism among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether Clark was intentionally excluded and the rationale behind the decision.
Columnist Christine Brennan, who co-authored a book on Clark, joined the chorus of criticism, highlighting the athlete’s popularity and the controversy surrounding her absence from the Olympic team last year. Clark, who has a gold medal from junior competitions but was not selected for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, was drafted by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA Draft. Despite her talent, she missed a significant portion of her second WNBA season due to injuries, which may have impacted her eligibility for the Olympics. However, her absence from the training camp graphic has raised further questions about her status within the national team’s hierarchy.
USA Basketball director Sue Bird, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, will oversee the evaluation process for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in September next year. While Bird has emphasized the importance of competitive readiness and team chemistry, the lack of transparency around Clark’s exclusion has led to speculation about internal dynamics within the program. Fans and analysts are calling for a more detailed explanation, with some suggesting that the decision reflects ongoing challenges in balancing star power with strategic depth.
Clark, whose career has already been marked by both success and controversy, now finds herself at a crossroads. With the World Cup on the horizon, the spotlight has shifted not only to her skills but also to the broader implications of her omission. As the training camp approaches, the focus will be on whether the national team can address the concerns and ensure that the final roster reflects both talent and strategic intent.