After cementing her place as one of America’s brightest sports stars, Caitlin Clark wrapped up her incredible rookie season on Wednesday with a heartfelt message to fans on social media, thanking them for their unwavering support. Clark’s debut year in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of sensational, drawing attention and excitement that propelled the league to new heights.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark’s arrival in the league was met with immense anticipation, and she didn’t disappoint. Her high-energy performances, clutch shooting, and intense rivalries, particularly with Angel Reese, made her one of the most talked-about athletes in the country.
Fever games became must-watch events, selling out multiple NBA arenas and drawing millions of viewers on TV. Clark’s offensive dominance, combined with her magnetic personality, captivated the basketball world.
Though the Fever’s playoff run ended with a loss to the Connecticut Sun, the 22-year-old now gets the chance to take her first extended break from basketball since she was 15. Reflecting on her monumental rookie year, Clark took a moment to appreciate the journey. “It feels like everybody is watching your every single move, no matter what you’re doing,” she said, acknowledging the pressures that come with fame. “I’ve tried to be the same person off the court. It will be nice, though, getting out of the spotlight. Getting to live my life and do the things that I want to do, get away and relax a little bit.”
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This offseason marks a rare opportunity for Clark to fully rest and recover. Her grueling schedule over the past year included a full college season with Iowa, immediately followed by her transition into the WNBA. Reflecting on how much she’s been through, Clark revealed that her midseason break during the WNBA’s pause for the Paris Olympics was her first real time off since her sophomore year in college. Now, with the next WNBA season not kicking off until May 2025, Clark is preparing for what will be her longest break in nearly a decade.
So, what’s next for Caitlin Clark in the offseason? Unlike some of her WNBA peers, such as Angel Reese and Brittney Griner, who have signed up for the new 3×3 Unrivaled league launching in January, it appears that Clark has other plans.
ESPN commentator Ryan Ruocco shared during a game broadcast that Clark told him she had no intention of playing basketball during the offseason. “She said she almost definitely will not play basketball this offseason,” Ruocco said, indicating that fans likely won’t see her on the court again until April.
However, when asked about Ruocco’s comments after the Fever’s season-ending loss to the Sun, Clark stopped short of confirming her offseason plans. “I was focused on beating the Connecticut Sun, I haven’t thought too far down the line,” she said. “I don’t know what I am going to do tomorrow, I don’t know what I am going to do the next day.”
While Clark’s immediate plans may be uncertain, one thing is for sure—she’ll be hitting the golf course. Known for her love of golf, Clark quipped after the loss, “Maybe play some golf. That’s what I’m going to do—become a professional golfer.”
Clark has long been vocal about her passion for the sport. In a 2023 interview with Golf Digest, she said, “I still want to be active and do something, so I’m going to go to the golf course. You can clear your mind, do something you really love, and have the peace and quiet of just your friends around or even just yourself. I love being able to escape reality for a little bit.”
Beyond her love for golf, the offseason presents Clark with lucrative opportunities off the court. Despite being one of the most recognizable names in sports, her rookie salary with the Fever was just over $76,000—a modest figure compared to her male counterparts in the NBA and NFL.
However, Clark’s growing list of endorsement deals, including partnerships with Gatorade, State Farm, and a massive $28 million shoe deal with Nike, ensure she’ll be a prominent figure in the public eye even while away from the hardwood.
As athletes like Travis Kelce use their offseasons to further enhance their brands with commercial appearances, it’s likely Clark will follow a similar path, leveraging her popularity for additional ventures.
Although Clark will be stepping away from basketball for a while, her presence is far from fading. As one of the most marketable and talented athletes in the game today, she’s poised to continue dominating the sports world—whether on the court or on TV screens.
Fans may not see her in action until next season, but Caitlin Clark’s star will continue to shine brightly during her well-deserved offseason break.
