Will the WNBA break for the Paris Olympics? Everything you need to know about 2024 schedule

Emily Dozier

Will the WNBA break for the Paris Olympics? Everything you need to know about 2024 schedule image

Finish her senior year as the NCAA's all-time scoring leader? Check. Get drafted first overall in the WNBA? Check. Go to the Olympics? That's to be decided.

Caitlin Clark's had one of the most successful, and probably stressful, years of her career. From Iowa to the Fever, her 2024 feels like it's just getting started. Her first few weeks as a pro may decide her future with the Olympic team. 

Of course, she's not the only one. In a matter of months, the USA women's basketball team will head to Paris for the 2024 Olympics. Making the roster is often a once-in-a-lifetime chance for players, as only 12 get the opportunity each cycle. Given how successful the team is at each Olympic Games, it gets harder and harder to be selected. 

Before that happens, though, players will be focusing on the 2024 WNBA season. It's a rare season in terms of professional sports, as they compete during the summer. And once every four years, that comes into competition with the Olympics. 

What does the WNBA schedule look like then? Here's everything to know for July and August.

MORE: Watch the 2024 WNBA season on Sling

Will the WNBA break for the Paris Olympics?

The WNBA will play its final game before the Olympic break on Wednesday, July 17. Its first game back will be Thursday, Aug. 15.

Before Team USA departs for Paris, they will play Team WNBA during the league's All-Star Weekend on July 20 in Phoenix, Arizona. This is the second time the game's been played during All-Star Weekend. Before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Team WNBA beat Team USA 93-85. 

The game gives the national team a proper chance to compete prior to the Olympics. They will have one other chance to warm up with a matchup against Germany on July 23 in London for the USA Basketball Showcase.

Team USA's journey for an eighth straight Olympic gold medal begins July 29 with the gold medal match scheduled for August 11. They will play Japan, Belgium and Germany in the group-stage competition.

MORE: When to expect WNBA expansion with Toronto and Golden State

USA Basketball Women's National Team roster

The Olympic roster won't be finalized until June, but a 14-player team was named for April's training camp, which took place in Cleveland before the NCAA Final Four. Clark was named to the team but could not attend due to Iowa's tournament success.

Only 12 players can go to Paris. With no training camp before the Olympic Games, players will be judged on their WNBA play, including Clark.

Here's what the latest national team roster looked like:

PlayerWNBA team
Ariel Atkins*Washington Mystics
Shakira AustinWashington Mystics
Aliyah BostonIndiana Fever
Chelsea Gray*Las Vegas Aces
Brittney Griner*Phoenix Mercury
Rhyne HowardAtlanta Dream
Sabrina IonescuNew York Liberty
Jewell Loyd*Seattle Storm
Kelsey Plum*Las Vegas Aces
Breanna Stewart*New York Liberty
Diana Taurasi*Phoenix Mercury
A'ja Wilson*Las Vegas Aces
Jackie Young*Las Vegas Aces

*2020 Olympic gold medalist

Emily Dozier

Emily Dozier Photo

Emily Dozier is a live events and lifestyle writer at The Sporting News, covering everything from sporting events and music festivals to broadway shows and stand-up comedy. Based out of New York, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. When not covering the SN tickets beat, Emily enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. Prior to joining The Sporting News in 2023, Emily covered the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup for the Associated Press.