Caitlin Clark's Team USA breakout could come before the Olympics

Caitlin Clark has already established herself as one of the future faces of U.S. American women’s basketball. Despite only playing one WNBA season, she is already one of the brightest stars in the game. 

As a result, some fans were bummed out when they realized that Caitlin Clark would not be representing her country at the Paris Olympics. Team USA was a veteran squad determined to take home the gold medal. Led by A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and others, they accomplished that goal, winning the women’s basketball team’s eighth consecutive gold medal at the Olympics. 

Clark will have to wait her turn, but once the time comes for her to suit up for Team USA, she will undoubtedly help to carry on the tradition of winning gold medals. Plus, she seemed to have benefitted from getting a break. Clark had to deal with a rigorous schedule to start her rookie season, and some time away from the court helped her. After the Olympic break, Clark’s numbers and her team’s play look much improved after the break. 

Still, fans can’t wait to see Clark play for Team USA, and her debut should not even have to wait until the next Olympics. 

Clark could suit up for the 2026 World Cup 

The 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany could be the first time Caitlin Clark will suit up for Team USA. Team USA has a reputation to uphold in the World Cup just as much as in the Olympics. They have won 11 gold medals and have not placed worse than that since 2006. 

Nevertheless, the World Cup is not as high-profile as the Olympics and thus usually a good opportunity to incorporate younger players into the team. Two years from now, some of the older Team USA players might not want to go to the World Cup, which would open up spots for younger players to join the team. Particularly Diana Taurasi’s run with the national team seems to be over. 

It is important to prepare the next generation of national team players to ensure that the passing of the torch happens smoothly. That very same reason is why the men’s team featured some rising young stars, like Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Haliburton. 

Clark should be on top of the list of Team USA prospects along with teammate Aliyah Boston. Not only is she one of the most talented young guards out there, but her presence would also get plenty of people to watch the games, which would in turn help women’s basketball all across the world. 

It will still be a while until the roster for the next World Cup is finalized, but the chances that Clark is on the team are incredibly high. It is also very likely that she will quickly emerge as one of the top players in the tournament. 

Clark still has plenty of time to develop and games to play until 2026. By then, she will likely be a certified superstar who can compete with the best in the WNBA.