Unrivaled, the highly anticipated new women’s basketball league, is set to make a significant impact when it launches this January. Boasting a roster filled with WNBA stars, Team USA members, and a host of other high-profile players, the league promises to deliver an exciting new format of 3-on-3 basketball to fans.
However, one major superstar will be noticeably absent from the action—Caitlin Clark.
According to a report by ESPN’s Michael Voepel, Caitlin Clark has decided not to join Unrivaled for its inaugural season. The league reportedly offered her a contract packed with lucrative incentives, which sources have compared to Lionel Messi’s blockbuster deal with Major League Soccer. Despite the enticing offer, Clark has opted to take a different direction during the WNBA offseason.
On Wednesday, Unrivaled revealed the rosters for its upcoming six-team league, filling 34 out of the 36 available spots.
The league notably left two wild card positions open, fueling speculation that they were intended for Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year, and A’ja Wilson, the current league MVP. With Clark’s decision to step away, the wild card spots remain unfilled, leaving a gap that will be hard to replace.
Unrivaled is already attracting a lot of attention, with a star-studded lineup that features WNBA All-Stars and members of Team USA who captured gold in the Paris Olympics last summer. However, Caitlin Clark’s participation would have been a game-changer.
Her presence would have provided the league with a marquee attraction, drawing in casual basketball fans and boosting interest in the new competition.
For many, Clark is not just another great player—she’s a transcendent talent who captures the imagination of fans and commands attention every time she steps onto the court.
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Clark’s decision to skip Unrivaled may come as a disappointment to the league and her fans, but it is also understandable given her busy schedule.
The 2023-24 season was non-stop for Clark, beginning with her final college season at Iowa, transitioning into her standout rookie campaign in the WNBA, and featuring a grueling pace that demanded both physical and mental resilience.
After such an intense stretch, Clark hinted that she was unsure about committing to more competitive basketball during the offseason, opting instead for some much-needed downtime.
In recent weeks, Caitlin Clark has turned her focus toward another sport she loves—golf. She has made good on her promise to spend more time on the course, even competing in her second pro-am event in as many weeks.
On Wednesday, she made a surprise appearance at the PGA Tour’s RSM Classic, showcasing her golf skills and enjoying the lighter pace. For now, it appears that golf will be Clark’s main focus as she takes a break from the basketball court and recharges for her second WNBA season.
While missing out on Caitlin Clark is undoubtedly a blow to Unrivaled, the league is still well-positioned for an exciting debut.
The organizers left no stone unturned in trying to land one of basketball’s brightest young stars, but ultimately, Clark chose a different path for the offseason. Her absence, however, doesn’t diminish the immense talent that will be on display when Unrivaled tips off in January.
Unrivaled will feature a collection of WNBA’s best players and Olympic champions, creating a competitive and dynamic format designed to appeal to both die-hard basketball fans and new viewers alike.
The league has also secured a broadcasting deal with TNT, ensuring that fans across the country will be able to tune in and enjoy the unique 3-on-3 matchups.
As Caitlin Clark takes a breather from her intense basketball schedule, fans will have to wait a bit longer to see her back in action.
But in the meantime, Unrivaled will still provide an exciting glimpse into the future of women’s basketball, showcasing elite athletes in a new and fast-paced format.
And for Clark, the time away from the court will hopefully provide the rest and balance she needs to continue her incredible rise in the sport.
