Fans take jabs at Caitlin Clark-less Team USA falling nearly 8,000 short of average attendance for women's games

By Michael Macasero

Modified Aug 01, 2024 06:25 GMT

Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from Team USA's women’s basketball roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics sparked fan outrage. Many went on social media to express their frustration and speculate on the reasons she failed to make the cut. Despite a rough start to her WNBA career, many felt she played better than a handful of players on Team USA.

Without Clark, the Americans had no trouble beating Japan on Tuesday. Behind Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson, they led 22-15 after the first quarter before cruising to a 102-76 victory.

13,040 fans attended the game at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, the fewest of all the women’s basketball games so far. The attendance was around 8,000 short of the average turnout. Spain versus China topped the list with 27,021 patrons.

Fans on X/Twitter reacted to the staggering disparity in attendance:

One fan did not hold back:

“About 100 people care about the USA Women’s basketball team without Caitlin Clark. Omitting her will go down as one of the dumbest USA team selection screwups of all time.”

Another fan was just as disappointed in Clark’s exclusion:

“USA team turned into the world's least favorite team after snubbing Caitlin Clark smdh”

This fan trolled Team USA:

“Damn, I was told people would watch regardless. As recently as like.. yesterday or Saturday lol.”

Clark has been setting attendance and viewing records in her first season in the WNBA. She and fellow rookie Angel Reese are considered to be among the biggest draws in the league. The two are hopeful that they will be teammates in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

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Caitlin Clark claims “no disappointment” in Olympic snub

Most were wondering how Caitlin Clark would react to her exclusion from the national team. Early this month, a reporter asked her to comment about it.

"I know it's the most competitive team in the world and I know it could have gone either way — me being on the team or me not being on the team. I'm going to be rooting them on to win gold," Clark said.

“Honestly, no disappointment. It just gives me something to work for; it's a dream. Hopefully one day I can be there. I think it's just a little more motivation. You remember that,” she added.

Do you think Team USA should have included Caitlin Clark on its roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.