Caitlin Clark Reportedly Turned Down Chance to Play for USA 3x3 Team at 2024 Olympics

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark reportedly declined an opportunity to play for the United States' 3x3 basketball team at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

In her book On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women's Sports (h/t Lizz Schumer of People.com), Christine Brennan reported that USA Basketball offered Clark a spot on the 3x3 team "well before" June 2024 and knew there was a qualifying event for her to become eligible for the Olympics.

Clark and her team ended up turning down the offer, per Brennan.

The eventual 3x3 Olympic roster consisted of Cierra Burdick, Dearica Hamby, Rhyne Howard and Hailey Van Lith. The U.S. squad took home the bronze medal at the Paris Games.

It was an impressive finish from a United States team that started with a record of 0-3, winning six of its next seven games to secure a spot on the podium.

Cameron Brink was initially on the 3x3 squad but was replaced by Hamby after suffering a torn ACL. At the time of Brink's injury, Clark was ineligible to enter the Olympics as a substitute because she didn't participate in any prior 3x3 competitions and had no FIBA 3x3 ranking points.

The Fever point guard was also left off the United States' 5x5 Olympic roster in 2024, with the Americans winning gold in the event.

Clark is currently in the midst of her second year in Indiana, building upon a 2024 campaign in which she earned WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.

In eight appearances this season, she's averaged 19.8 points and 8.9 assists to go along with 5.4 rebounds per game. The 23-year-old is also shooting 40.6 percent from the field and 31.9 percent from three-point territory.

Per Time's Sean Gregory, Clark called being left off the 5x5 Olympic team a blessing because it motivated her and allowed her some time off from basketball after she led Iowa to the 2024 national championship game.

Perhaps needing a break was part of the reason she reportedly turned down the 3x3 offer.