Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, went on social media to express his disagreement with the USA Basketball selection committee’s choice to not include Caitlin Clark on the 2024 U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team. This response followed closely after the WNBA aired its most-watched game in more than twenty years, underscoring Clark’s considerable influence in the league.
Game in WNBA sets new record
The Indiana Fever’s recent win against the Chicago Sky attracted a large audience, averaging 2.25 million viewers on CBS, and peaking at almost 3 million. The game, with ex-college rivals Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, became the highest-rated WNBA game on any network in 23 years. Clark put on a remarkable show, securing the top spot with 23 points and providing nine assists, while Reese added 11 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
This season, the WNBA has seen a rise in viewership and interest due to Clark’s exciting games and presence on the court.
Ted Cruz’s Response Sen
Cruz, recognizing Clark’s influence on the league, took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the decision to leave her off the Olympic roster. “And yet these imbeciles don’t want her on the Olympic team,” Cruz wrote, expressing his frustration with the selection committee’s judgment.
#5a3434a2dbe85c6eb020e79dd4d6d9d5 #fnc #FoxNews #foxnewssportswnba Ted Cruz calls out Caitlin Clark Olympic snub after WNBA records most-watched game in 23 years https://t.co/ndtfZseZL3 pic.twitter.com/PJqnjP0Qvm
— Brandon Thompson (@brandonpromo) June 20, 2024
Clark, a standout player from Iowa, was notably absent from the roster for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The decision, as explained by USA Basketball selection committee chair Jen Rizzotti, was based primarily on Clark’s lack of international experience. Rizzotti emphasized that the committee’s responsibility was to assemble the best possible team for head coach Cheryl Reeve, rather than focusing on individual popularity or viewership metrics.
The Influence of Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark not being selected for the Olympic team has caused a lot of discussion due to her significant impact on the WNBA and increasing number of supporters. Ever since she became part of the team, Clark has played a key role for the Indiana Fever, recognized for her scoring talent, ability to create opportunities for teammates, and exceptional performances in crucial moments.
Many people, including Sen. Cruz, believe that her skills and fan base justify her inclusion on the Olympic roster despite the controversy surrounding the decision. Cruz’s public critique highlights the wider discussion regarding the standards employed in choosing athletes for global competitions and the equilibrium between seasoned players and up-and-coming talent.
The WNBA’s Future with Caitlin Clark in Mind
With the WNBA’s increasing popularity and expanding viewership, athletes such as Caitlin Clark play a vital role in driving the league’s success and development. Her displays and the audience’s response to her exclusion from the Olympics emphasize the significance of supporting and presenting young talent in the sport.
Although Clark will not participate in the Paris Olympics, her influence on the WNBA is unquestionable, and her prospects in the league appear bright. The historic number of viewers for the Fever vs. Sky game shows her impact and the increasing fascination with women’s basketball.
The controversy surrounding her absence from the Olympics might persist, but it’s evident that Caitlin Clark is emerging as a prominent figure in the WNBA, with her promising trajectory just commencing.