Will Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers make the U.S. women’s basketball 2028 Olympic team?, tell me about this news in (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7592338/2026/09/14/team-usa-2028-olympics-caitlin-clark-paige-bueckers/)
14-09-2026
Both Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are widely projected to make the United States women’s basketball roster for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, barring significant injury.The coverage and analysis surrounding Team USA’s trajectory toward 2028 center on several key factors:
- A Generational Changing of the Guard: The U.S. program is undergoing a significant transition. With longtime stalwarts like Diana Taurasi retiring and veteran guards aging out, USA Basketball must establish its next core backcourt alongside established anchors like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart.
- Caitlin Clark’s Role: Clark’s elite perimeter shooting, elite passing vision, and high-tempo offense make her an undeniable candidate to take over lead guard duties. Following her rise through the WNBA and senior national team integration, her presence is viewed as both a basketball necessity and a major cultural centerpiece for the 2028 Games on home soil.
- Paige Bueckers’ Fit and Pedigree: Bueckers has a long, highly decorated history with USA Basketball’s junior ranks and has consistently demonstrated the exact skill set international basketball demands: high basketball IQ, hyper-efficient scoring, low turnover rates, and strong perimeter defense. Her versatility allows her to play either on or off the ball, making her an effortless complement to Clark and veteran frontcourts.
- USA Basketball Selection Politics: While Clark was famously left off the 2024 Paris roster due to concerns over veteran continuity and a compressed timeline, the 2028 cycle provides a full four-year runway for training camps, FIBA competitions, and roster cohesion.