Fans highly criticized Caitlin Clark‘s omission from the USA Olympics lineup. Many rallied for the Indiana Fever rookie to be included on the team, arguing that Clark’s presence would help get more eyes on the team.

A day before the USA women’s team started their campaign, US Olympics and Paralympics Committee CEO Sarah Hirshland was asked about Clark’s snub. Hirshland defended the selections and omissions, saying she trusts the committee to do what’s best for the program.

“When you look at the whole thing in totality, I would say USA Basketball has had a very disciplined process with people who know more about the sport of women’s basketball than anyone else in the world. And I trust that they know exactly what they’re doing,” Hirshland said.

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) sets a pick for Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the WNBA All Star Game against USA Women’s National Team at Footprint Center.

The common argument used by Clark’s defenders is that her popularity will help further women’s basketball. While that may be true, Team USA’s top priority in the Olympics is winning. They rely more on the chemistry between their core group of players.

That formula has worked perfectly for the USA in women’s basketball. They’ve won seven straight golds at the Olympics, and most of the players on the 2024 roster participated in the Tokyo tournament as well.

Clark is talented, yes. But it’s clear that Team USA’s vision does not need her… yet. The Fever star will almost certainly be part of the Olympic team at some point in her career.