Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star, has chosen to opt out of participating in the upcoming Unrivaled Basketball 3-on-3 league, despite being offered a substantial $1 million contract. Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is set to debut in January 2025 and had hoped to secure Clark for its inaugural season. However, the young phenom declined the offer, just after the league unveiled its teams and coaching staff in a 22-minute livestream. Even though two roster spots remained available, Clark’s decision to pass on this opportunity seems unrelated to any specific reasons connected to her No. 22 jersey with the Fever.
Clark’s absence is especially notable given the exceptional performance she delivered during her rookie season. Averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, and shooting a solid 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc, she became the near-unanimous Rookie of the Year in 2024. Her stellar performance has helped bring unprecedented attention to the WNBA, as she shattered records for attendance and viewership. Given her jam-packed schedule, including a demanding NCAA tournament and WNBA preseason, it makes sense that Clark might want some time away from basketball before diving into another major competition.
Although she won’t be part of Unrivaled’s first season, Clark’s decision does not close the door on future involvement. The league has indicated that the offer to join still stands should she reconsider. In the meantime, Clark has been engaging in other activities, such as participating in pro-am events, including the Annika LPGA tournament and the RSM Classic. She is also slated to speak at National Girls and Women in Sports Day in February. These engagements suggest that Clark is taking a well-deserved break from basketball to recharge while focusing on various off-court initiatives.
Despite Clark’s decision, Unrivaled Basketball is generating a lot of excitement. The league sold out its preseason ticket sales in just 30 minutes, signaling high anticipation for its debut. The league promises players the highest average salaries in women’s sports and offers equity in the league, which could have a significant impact on future WNBA collective bargaining. One of Unrivaled’s main goals is to keep top WNBA talent in the U.S. during the offseason, reducing the need for players to go overseas to earn extra income.
Unrivaled’s inaugural season will feature six teams with star players such as Brittney Griner, Arike Ogunbowale, Chelsea Gray, and Angel Reese. The league’s eight-week season, starting January 17, 2025, will feature 45 games broadcast on TNT Sports. With a lucrative multiyear media deal with Warner Bros. Discovery worth $100 million, Unrivaled is set to make waves in women’s basketball, even without Clark’s participation. The league’s exciting line-up and unique offerings suggest it will have a significant impact on the landscape of women’s sports.
