Why is Caitlin Clark unable to join Team USA's Olympic 3x3 basketball team?

The US 3x3 women's basketball team has faced significant setbacks this week with injuries, and the WNBA's newest sensation Caitlin Clark will not be allowed to step in and help their cause.

Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink and 2022 WNBA No. 1 pick Rhyne Howard were both selected for the 3x3 team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, alongside Cierra Burdick and Hailey Van Lith. Unfortunately, injuries are forcing Team USA to revise its roster.

Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, tore her ACL during the Sparks' game against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday night. This injury will sideline her for the Paris Olympics and the rest of the WNBA season.

On Wednesday, Howard left the Atlanta Dream's game against the Minnesota Lynx with an apparent ankle injury. She is scheduled for further evaluation on Thursday, but the signs don't look promising with regards to her Olympic participation.

With these injuries, many are speculating about Caitlin Clark's potential involvement.

Despite being the top overall pick in 2024, Clark was not initially named to the Team USA women's basketball squad for Paris,

However, Brink and Howard's injuries have led to speculation about Clark's possible participation in the Olympics.

Will Caitlin Clark play 3x3 basketball at the 2024 Olympics?

Unfortunately for Team USA, Clark is not eligible to join Team USA's 3x3 women's basketball team.

FIBA player eligibility requirements for the Olympic 3x3 roster include:

• Two players ranked within the top 10 of their country.
• Two players ranked within the top 50 of their country or have the minimum number of ranking points.
• Players must compete in other 3x3 competitions to earn ranking points. Since Clark has not participated in any 3x3 competitions, she is ineligible to join the roster.

Full Olympics 3x3 basketball eligibility requirements

Beyond FIBA points, athletes must meet the following nationality criteria to participate in the 3x3 event at the Olympics:

• Must hold legal nationality of the represented country.
• Must have presented a passport of the represented country issued by the competent authorities before a date to be announced.
• Cannot have played for the national team in basketball and/or 3x3 for another country in an Official Competition of FIBA.
• Must be at least 18 years old on July 26, 2024.