As the WNBA season concludes with the New York Liberty claiming their first championship, fans of women’s basketball can look forward to the debut of Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 offseason league launching in January. This league aims to be the premier destination for women’s basketball outside the traditional WNBA calendar, and it has already attracted notable talent, including All-Stars and Olympic gold medalists.
Among the players drawing significant attention is Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the 2024 Rookie of the Year. The interest in Clark is palpable, as her presence could elevate the league’s visibility and audience engagement significantly. Unrivaled’s roster currently features big names like Breanna Stewart and Napheesia Collier, but securing Clark could propel the league into a new realm of publicity.
In a recent interview, Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell expressed optimism about potentially adding Clark to their roster. He stated, “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark. We’re not applying a full court press… She knows that we have a spot for her when she’s ready.” This approach reflects an understanding of Clark’s need for time after the WNBA season while still making it clear that the door remains open for her to join.
Bazzell also emphasized the league’s current talent while acknowledging that Clark’s involvement would elevate the competition further. “If she played, she would take it to another level… She knows we would love to have her,” he remarked. Given Clark’s immense popularity and ability to draw fans, her addition would not only enhance the league’s games but also attract more advertisers and investors.
The sports community eagerly awaits Clark’s decision, as her participation would undoubtedly excite fans and provide them with more opportunities to witness her electrifying skills on the court. As Unrivaled prepares for its inaugural season, the spotlight remains on Caitlin Clark and the potential impact of her joining the league.