The WNBA’s young stars are taking the league to the next level. For example, Angel Reese sets foot in the WNBL and cracked a deal for Reebok, making it an official footwear partner for the league. Also, Greek MLS star Alexandros Katranis highlights Caitlin Clark’s surprising fame and global reach beyond the WNBA, sharing his experience with fans.
Amid this, the young stars received a senior call-up for the FIBA World Cup qualifiers as the management released names on February 11. Fans found one fault in the social media post and targeted the social media team.
Fans Lash Out At Team USA Post For Excluding Caitlin Clark
Team USA takes a bold step, adding multiple first-timers to the senior team for the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. Among those selections, some prominent and fan favorite names are Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Clark. These players’ fan followings brought a new wave of investments and broadcasting deals to the league.
The social media team made the roster public in a post listing players’ names. In the graphics, they used Rhyne Howard, Chelsea Gray, and Aliyah Boston as representatives of the team. Interestingly, the FIBA also released a post about the qualification matches schedule, with the top players of each country in the graphics.
So FIBA will gladly post Caitlin Clark. But USA Basketball wants to post other players 😂😂😂😂😂. pic.twitter.com/nH5BSRnA26
— Michael (@mikeaalen112735) February 12, 2026
Fans pointed out that the FIBA post features Caitlin Clark as Team USA’s representative, while the Team USA post doesn’t include her, calling her the ‘needle’.
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A fan wrote, “Even the other countries playing recognize what CC is…Global Jordanesque Phenom.”
@rhodesrants even the other countries playing recognize what CC is…Global Jordanesque Phenom
— Jehramie Dawson (@DawsonJehr45216) February 13, 2026
One fan mentioned, “Caitlin is the face of American women’s basketball, that’s the reality.”
Caitlin is the face of American women's basketball, that's the reality.
— 𝕃𝕦𝕚𝕤 V (@LMadridista_7) February 13, 2026
Another fan added, “Crazy right… I’m hoping they are just trying to get other players some love.”
Crazy right… I’m hoping they are just trying to get other players some love. With that being said none of the three possible fan faves aren’t on there. Never in my life had I not seen Jordan, Bird or Magic on the cover of whatever they were on.
— Brian Livingston (@jckal76) February 13, 2026
One fan commented, “FIBA knows who the people want to see.”
FIBA knows who the people want to see.
— DJ (@Mycroft95) February 12, 2026
Another fan said, “They will see the caitlin clark effect in person throughout this whole experience.”
They will see the caitlin clark effect in person throughout this whole experience.
— Ray Norman (@RayNorm856) February 13, 2026
As for the player, being on a poster or on a social media post is not important, but being on the court for her country is. She shared her excitement on social media as she worked hard for a place on the senior team.
Caitlin Clark Reacts To Team USA Selection
Even after missing most of the 2025 season due to injury, Clark already made her intentions clear about Team USA basketball during her exit interview. To work on her fitness and give her body proper rest and time to heal, the player declined Unrivaled’s offer. And now, when her name is amongst the 12 selected players, she is excited.
The Indiana Fever shared a post praising its three representatives in Team USA, Aliyah Boston, CC, and Stephanie White. The 2024 rookie also shared the post on her Instagram story.
The FIBA World Cup qualifiers will start on March 11, with five games in seven days. Team USA will look to use its whole roster to keep everyone fit and fresh for the competition. Also considering the upcoming WNBA season’s start date.