Skip Bayless has praised Caitlin Clark’s decision to turn down an offer to join the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, a move that has sparked a lot of attention in the basketball world. The Indiana Fever star had been extended a substantial offer to join the league, which was founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart to provide an alternative for players during the offseason. However, Clark, who made waves in her rookie season, chose to skip the league’s debut in January 2025.
Bayless took to social media to express his support for Clark’s decision, pointing out that after the “jealousy and resentment” she faced during her rookie campaign, she doesn’t need to participate in any side leagues. He highlighted the intense treatment Clark received last season, including being on the receiving end of cheap shots and aggressive fouls. Despite this, Clark persevered, finishing her rookie year with a late-season MVP push and leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016. According to Bayless, Clark has already achieved significant success and doesn’t require the added pressure of participating in a new league.
Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA was anything but easy. She quickly became a target for opponents who sought to challenge her presence on the court. Among the most notable incidents were the multiple flagrant fouls she received, including five of the league’s total 30 flagrant fouls that season. However, despite these challenges, Clark finished strong and earned the WNBA Rookie of the Year honor. Additionally, her popularity played a significant role in the rise of the league’s viewership and attendance, proving her value beyond just her on-court performance.
The Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, based in Miami, will feature 30 top players from both the WNBA and NCAA, and it promises to pay the highest average salaries in women’s sports. While many of Clark’s peers, such as her Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, have signed up for the league, Clark’s decision to step back has raised eyebrows. Unrivaled aims to make waves in the world of women’s basketball by offering an exciting new competition during the offseason, but it seems Clark is choosing to focus on her future in the WNBA instead.
Ultimately, Bayless emphasized that Clark has already done more than enough to grow the game of basketball. With her stellar rookie season and contributions to the increased visibility of the WNBA, it’s clear that Caitlin Clark’s influence goes far beyond one league or one season. She has proven herself to be a key figure in the evolution of women’s sports and can choose her next steps accordingly, whether or not they involve the new 3-on-3 league.
