Recently, the topic of the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team’s lack of coverage and the absence of star players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has sparked significant discussion among NBA players and sports commentators. Among those voicing their opinions are NBA players Grant Williams, who currently plays for the Charlotte Hornets, and Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors. These players have expressed concerns about the disparity in media attention between the men’s and women’s teams during the Olympics, raising questions about how the absence of key players like Clark and Reese has impacted the visibility and recognition of women’s basketball on an international stage.

Grant Williams, who is currently in Paris covering the games, took to Twitter to highlight the issue. He pointed out the stark difference in post-game coverage between the men’s and women’s teams, calling it “disrespectful” and stating that the women deserve better treatment both internationally and domestically. Williams emphasized that for the WNBA and women’s basketball to progress, it’s not just up to the fans, but also the responsibility of the media to provide equal and fair coverage. He noted that while the U.S. Women’s National Team has been dominant, winning 60 games in a row and likely heading toward another gold medal, the absence of big names like Caitlin Clark has undeniably led to a decrease in coverage and overall attention.

The crux of the argument, as discussed by many, is that star power drives media coverage. Williams drew comparisons to the men’s team, stating that if LeBron James, Stephen Curry, or Kevin Durant were absent from the men’s squad, the coverage would be significantly less. This comparison underscores the idea that in sports, particularly at the Olympic level, star players are pivotal not only for their performance but also for attracting attention to the sport as a whole.

Draymond Green further elaborated on this issue during a discussion with former NBA player Baron Davis on his podcast. Green argued that Caitlin Clark’s omission from the Olympic team was a missed opportunity for women’s basketball. He stressed that Clark is the biggest global star in women’s basketball, and her presence could have significantly boosted the sport’s profile on an international scale. Drawing parallels to the 1992 Dream Team that included Michael Jordan, Green suggested that leaving Clark out of the team was akin to leaving Jordan out of the Dream Team, which had a monumental impact on popularizing basketball worldwide.

Green emphasized that while current players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart are incredible talents, the inclusion of someone like Clark, who is not only a phenomenal player but also a marketing powerhouse, would have been instrumental in expanding the reach of women’s basketball globally. He argued that the decision should not have been solely based on basketball skills but also on the potential for brand growth and marketing the sport to a broader audience.

Angel Reese, another young star, was also mentioned in this context. Reese, who has been leading the WNBA in double-doubles and breaking records, was similarly overlooked for the Olympic team. Green and others believe that her magnetic star power, coupled with her outstanding performances, warranted her inclusion in the squad. The impact of having both Clark and Reese on the team was evident during the WNBA All-Star Game, where their presence drew significant attention and highlighted the growing popularity of women’s basketball.

Despite the U.S. Women’s National Team’s dominance in the tournament, critics argue that the decision to exclude Clark and Reese has diminished the level of interest and media coverage. The argument extends beyond just the Olympics, with many believing that this decision will be a talking point for years to come. As Draymond Green mentioned, this moment in time will likely be referenced in future documentaries, biographies, and articles about Clark and Reese, highlighting the missed opportunity to further elevate women’s basketball on a global stage.

While the U.S. Women’s team continues to perform at an elite level, the conversation surrounding the lack of star players and the subsequent decrease in coverage raises important questions about the future of women’s sports. It underscores the need for thoughtful consideration of how to best promote and support female athletes, not just through performance but also through strategic marketing and media presence. The debate surrounding Clark and Reese’s absence is a reminder of the complexities involved in growing a sport and the critical role that media and star power play in shaping public interest and engagement.