Caitlin Clark has broken her silence regarding rumors surrounding her potential participation in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, which is set to begin its inaugural season in January 2025. The talented rookie sensation for the Indiana Fever, who helped elevate the WNBA’s popularity during her standout season, is reportedly being courted by the league with an enticing offer of $1 million, drawing comparisons to the deal Inter Miami offered soccer superstar Lionel Messi. While Clark has previously stated she would not engage in any off-season competition, her latest comments suggest that she is keeping her options open.
In an interview with IndyStar and ESPN, Clark was careful not to dismiss the possibility entirely, saying, “We’ll see… I don’t know. Just taking it as it goes, and see if I want to play eventually.” This ambiguity has only fueled further speculation as to whether the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year will join Unrivaled, which was founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Clark’s friends, including several of her teammates from the Fever, have already committed to the league, with Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and former Iowa teammate Kate Martin already securing roster spots.
Unrivaled, based in Miami, promises to offer the highest average salaries in women’s sports history, an attractive proposition for many female basketball players who typically spend their off-seasons playing overseas to supplement their incomes. With a roster of 30 players from both the WNBA and NCAA, the league is positioning itself as a game-changer for women’s basketball, offering a domestic competition with significant financial rewards. In October, Unrivaled struck a multi-year media deal with TNT, ensuring that its games will be broadcast on popular platforms like Max and truTV, further increasing its visibility.
Despite Clark’s current indecision, Unrivaled’s president, Alex Bazzell, has made it clear that the league would love to have her on board when she is ready. “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark,” Bazzell told Sportico in October. “We’re not applying a full-court press… We are letting her decompress from basketball, and she knows that we have a spot for her when she’s ready.” The league’s patient approach contrasts with the growing excitement surrounding the competition’s first season, but for now, Clark remains focused on her WNBA career and the potential of what the future might hold.
Caitlin Clark’s involvement in the Unrivaled league would undoubtedly make headlines, given her growing influence in women’s sports. Whether or not she decides to take part, her presence has already helped raise the profile of the WNBA, and her decision could set a new precedent for how athletes balance professional commitments and off-season opportunities in emerging leagues. As the debut season of Unrivaled approaches, all eyes will be on Clark to see if she decides to join her fellow athletes in this exciting new chapter of women’s basketball.
