Stephen A. Smith revealed an embarrassing fact about Team USA, which could have been avoided by not excluding Caitlin Clark. Since the roster announcement, there has been uproar over the omission of Caitlin, a game changer on and off the court.

Caitlin’s impact on TV ratings was recognized by The Wall Street Journal, and her selection as the No. 1 overall pick set WNBA Draft TV rating records. Despite her record-breaking performance and endorsements, Team USA’s decision was based on experience and standard procedure, which backfired with the team’s Olympic losses. Caitlin’s absence deprived the team of her skills, popularity, and marketing value, a mistake the committee won’t repeat.

Stephen A. Smith has recently criticized Team USA for their decision to exclude Caitlin Clark from the Olympic roster, a move he argues has had a detrimental effect on viewership and attendance in women’s basketball. Clark’s record-breaking performances and widespread popularity have highlighted her significant influence on the sport, making her exclusion a major oversight.

Clark’s impact extends well beyond the court, as evidenced by her role in driving record-breaking viewership numbers for WNBA games.

Her presence has consistently resulted in higher TV ratings, demonstrating her ability to draw fans and boost the league’s profile. The recent WNBA All-Star Game, which achieved a historic 3.4 million viewers, saw a 300% increase in viewership compared to the previous season, further underscoring Clark’s marketability and influence.

The controversy surrounding Clark’s exclusion raises questions about the decision-making processes within Team USA. Despite her impressive current form and the acknowledgment from figures such as Don Stanley that Clark should have been included, the decision was reportedly influenced by traditional criteria and experience rather than recent performance. This suggests a need for more adaptive evaluation methods in team selections.

Clark’s absence from the Olympic team may have impacted Team USA’s performance and visibility.

Her skill set, including her leadership in assists and double-doubles, could have significantly enhanced the team’s chances. Moreover, Clark’s strong marketing presence, bolstered by endorsements from major brands like Nike and State Farm, could have attracted additional attention and support for women’s basketball, further benefiting Team USA.

The current low attendance at Team USA’s games reflects a failure in marketing and promotion, particularly in comparison to other countries with strong women’s basketball programs.

The disparity in attendance between Team USA and countries such as China and Serbia highlights a need for more effective strategic decisions and marketing efforts.

In summary, Caitlin Clark’s exclusion from Team USA has not only sparked controversy but also illuminated the critical role of star power and marketing in sports. Her significant impact on viewership and brand engagement underscores the need for strategic thinking in team selections and promotional activities to enhance the visibility and success of women’s basketball.