WNBA to Suffer Major Consequences as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and More

Gilbert Arenas says what most have on their mind, and his opinion on the Caitlin Clark Olympic snub might be another one of those instances. Notably, Clark and Reese were left off the 2024 Paris Olympics’ roster in favor of more seasoned WNBA players.

While there have been multiple reactions to this move, Gil has revealed the practical aspect of this decision’s impact, away from the seasoned roster’s expected impact on results.

Of all the times the women’s team has been in the Olympics, they’ve won gold in all but two outings. Moreover, they have not lost a single game in the Olympics since 1992. Therefore, Gil’s focus is on the business side of the whole thing, which he believes suffers in Clark’s absence.

“You’re saying millions of people will be mad if she doesn’t play a lot. Well, that means a million people won’t be viewing if she’s not on the team. Do you think you can sell more jerseys without her or with her?” he said on Gil’s Arena.

USA Today via Reuters

The former NBA star further claimed he would’ve selected Clark, Angel Resse, and Cameron Brink on the roster. As of now, the selected players include — Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, Kahleah Cooper, Sabrina Ionescu, Jewell Loyd, Alyssa Thomas, and Jackie Young.

While these are all accomplished players, with the former six having Olympic experience, Gil believes names suggested by him could yield higher profit for the game.

It cannot be denied Clark has had a significant impact on the WNBA itself with her popularity. The former Hawkeyes star has mostly sold out every game since she landed with Indiana Fever. Additionally, the WNBA online store also witnessed a significant rise in revenue with her in the league. Gilbert, thus, rightly reasons his case, and he doesn’t happen to be alone on the view.

Stephen A Smith believes Clark does not deserve the spot if it’s just basketball

Similar to Gilbert Arenas, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith also believes the USA Women’s Basketball made a mistake by not including the Fever rookie on the Olympics roster. “This is about what I will personally label ‘The Idiocy of Team USA Women’s Basketball.’ How dare you make this decision. It’s stupid,” he said.

The 56-year-old further claimed on ‘First Take’ that the 22-year-old does not deserve a spot above the players presently on the roster if it was just about basketball. But he believes Clark’s inclusion could have brought more attention, which the WNBA needs right now.

Confirming she did not make it to the roster, Clark had told CNN this gives her 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. Hopefully when four years comes back around, I can be there,” she said. Though the news is an upset to many, Clark’s optimistic approach has one awaiting the future.

“Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.”