Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star, has decided not to join Unrivaled Basketball, a new 3-on-3 league set to debut in January 2024. The league, co-founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, had offered Clark $1 million to join, but she turned it down. This decision came shortly after the league revealed its teams and coaching staff during a 22-minute YouTube livestream. Although there were two open spots in the league, Clark’s absence does not appear to be linked to any clues or speculations based on her No. 22 Fever jersey.
Clark’s absence from Unrivaled is particularly notable given her remarkable rookie season. In 2024, she averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game, along with shooting 41.7% from the field and 34.4% from three-point range. This outstanding performance earned her nearly unanimous recognition as the 2024 Rookie of the Year. Considering that Clark’s offseason was short, with her NCAA tournament run quickly followed by WNBA preseason activities, it’s understandable that she might need a break from the spotlight and competition.
Though Clark won’t be part of the inaugural season, the offer to join the league remains open should she change her mind. Outside of basketball, Clark has spent time participating in pro-am events, such as the Annika LPGA tournament and the RSM Classic. She is also scheduled to speak at a major event in February for National Girls and Women in Sports Day. These engagements suggest that Clark may be taking some time away from basketball to recharge and focus on other pursuits.
Despite Clark’s decision, interest in Unrivaled Basketball remains strong. The league’s preseason ticket sales sold out in just 30 minutes, indicating a high level of anticipation for its first season. The league promises the highest average salary in any women’s sports league and offers players equity in the league—an element that could influence future collective bargaining with the WNBA. One of Unrivaled’s goals is to help retain top WNBA talent in the U.S., reducing the need for players to go overseas during the offseason to supplement their incomes.
Unrivaled’s inaugural season will feature six teams, each with star players like Brittney Griner, Arike Ogunbowale, Chelsea Gray, and Angel Reese. The eight-week season begins on January 17, 2024, with 45 games scheduled to be broadcast on TNT Sports. The league has secured a lucrative multiyear media rights deal with Warner Bros. Discovery, valued at $100 million, ensuring that fans will have plenty of opportunities to watch these exciting matchups. Even without Clark, Unrivaled Basketball is positioned to make a significant impact and showcase some of the best talents in women’s basketball.
