In a stunning shake-up within USA Basketball, Cheryl Reeve has been dismissed from her role as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team following the controversial exclusion of rising star Caitlin Clark from the 2024 Paris Olympics roster. Reeve, who also serves as the head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, faced significant backlash for the decision, despite having no direct influence over the selection process. Reports indicate that Reeve “took a lot of bullets” for USA Basketball during the fallout, as she was perceived as the public face of the decision .

In the wake of Reeve’s departure, USA Basketball has appointed Sue Bird, a five-time Olympic gold medalist and retired WNBA legend, as the first-ever managing director of the U.S. Women’s National Team. This newly established role mirrors that of Grant Hill with the men’s team, granting Bird significant authority over team selection and coaching appointments . Bird’s extensive experience and leadership are expected to usher in a new era for Team USA as they prepare for the 2026 FIBA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The decision to part ways with Reeve and the appointment of Bird signify a pivotal moment for USA Basketball, as the organization seeks to navigate the complexities of roster selections and maintain its dominance on the international stage.