Caitlin Clark, widely recognized, is ranked 22nd in the WNBA, yet she stands far above that position globally. Several players such as A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces), Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics), Veronica Barton (Golden State Valkyries), and Cameron Brink (Los Angeles Sparks) have also sported the number 22 jersey.
However, none of these players are assigned No. 22 for the upcoming USA Basketball training camp. Despite the anticipation, the No. 22 jersey remains unclaimed. Clark’s participation in the camp is uncertain due to a groin injury that has kept her out since July 13, after playing only 13 games this season.
The 2026 FIBA World Cup is scheduled in Germany from September 4-13. Nevertheless, the WNBA’s schedule may be impacted as the league and players’ union have yet to reach a new collective bargaining agreement.
The U.S. Women’s National Team training camp will take place from December 12-14 at Duke in Durham, North Carolina, with players assigned various jersey numbers, including Clark wearing No. 17 for the camp.
Notable jersey numbers for the camp include:
– Lauren Betts (46), UCLA
– Aliyah Boston (30), Indiana Fever
– Cameron Brink (33), Los Angeles Sparks
– Paige Backers (19), Dallas Wings
– Veronica Barton (23), Golden State Valkyries
– Sonia Citron (20), Washington Mystics
– Caitlin Clark (17), Indiana Fever
– Carlea Copper (7), Phoenix Mercury
– Chelsea Gray (8), Las Vegas Aces
– Brittney Greiner (15), Atlanta Dream
– Dearika Hamby (24), Los Angeles Sparks
– Kiki Iriafen (25), Washington Mystics
– Rikea Jackson (18), Los Angeles Sparks
– Breonna Jones (16), Atlanta Dream
– Kelsey Plum (5), Los Angeles Sparks
– Angel Reese (25), Chicago Sky
– Juju Watkins (21), University of Southern California
– Jackie Young (13), Las Vegas Aces
This article originally appeared in the Indianapolis Star under the title: “Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark will not wear No. 22 in U.S. Basketball.”
Fan Take: This update highlights the evolving dynamics of USA Basketball and WNBA presence on the international stage. For fans, Clark’s uncertain role and the open No. 22 jersey symbolize both opportunity and challenge, impacting team morale and the sport’s growth nationally.
