With Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in the offseason, Jason Whitlock proposed that the rookie standout should lead the creation of a new league to compete with the WNBA. As the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx compete in the WNBA finals, many players are seeking opportunities overseas due to low salaries. Whitlock pointed out fellow rookie Kamilla Cardoso, who recently left the U.S. to play internationally, suggesting that a rival league featuring Clark could be beneficial for her peers.
Whitlock emphasized that a new league with Clark at the forefront would attract more fans and generate greater interest than the WNBA. He mentioned that players like Cardoso would likely prefer to stay in the U.S. to play basketball and earn a decent income instead of going abroad. He criticized the current system, arguing that a league led by Clark could draw significant audiences without the political pressures some players face.
He also asserted that funding for this rival league could easily come from Saudi Arabia, highlighting the untapped potential surrounding Clark and women’s basketball. Whitlock did not hold back in his criticism of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, calling them “idiots” for not capitalizing on Clark’s growing popularity, which has already boosted WNBA viewership and attendance.
In advocating for Clark to challenge the existing league, Whitlock mentioned other star players who might join her, including Angel Reese and Juju Watkins. He suggested that UConn coach Geno Auriemma could serve as the league’s commissioner and that players should hold ownership stakes. He noted that many WNBA players currently play overseas due to inadequate salaries and proposed that a new rival league could thrive in the U.S. during the offseason.
