Caitlin Clark is passing on a league that badly needs her star power.
The reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year won’t play in Unrivaled, according to multiple reports.
There had been growing buzz that the Indiana Fever guard would join the new 3-on-3 league, which will begin in January in Miami during the WNBA offseason.
Fan and internet theories had linked a sponsorship deal with State Farm to the buzz that Clark would be one of the last names added to a league already featuring Angel Reese, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Brittany Griner.
But just as Unrivaled began to officially link players with teams, word spread that Clark was going to pass on an offseason opportunity that could have netted her an extra $1 million via a Lionel Messi-like deal.
Fans praised Clark for appearing to prioritize physical rest and mental health over a start-up league that seemed to be increasingly desperate to add her star power.
“Thank goodness,” one fan tweeted. “Take care of you, Caitlin.”
“We all knew she wouldn’t,” a second fan wrote. “She told us she was going to enjoy the offseason and maybe play some golf.”
“Smart decision by her,” a third fan posted. “Would be a big waste of time for her, considering she’s bigger than the WNBA. … Why would she play in this league to help them?”
“Thank the good lord!” a fourth fan said. “Let’s get focused on the upcoming season.”
Clark quickly became the most popular player in the WNBA and broke record after record last season.
She powered the Fever to a 20-20 record and playoff appearance while averaging team highs in points (19.2), assists (8.4) and steals (1.3).
Clark said yes to amateur golf but will reportedly pass on Unrivaled[/caption]
Fans follow the Indiana Fever star wherever she goes[/caption]
Clark has embraced the spotlight but also has the freedom to turn down $1 million[/caption]
Unrivaled has six teams — the Laces, Lunar Owls, Mist, Phantom, Rose and Vinyl — with five players on each squad.
The league will be owned by players, unlike the WNBA, giving athletes ‘equity and a vested interest in its success.’
Clark’s WNBA rookie salary for the entire 2024 season was just over $73,000, so turning down an estimated $1 million would be a big deal.
But she’s also raking in money from sponsorships, which includes deals with Nike, Gatorade, Bose and Panini, and her net worth has been valued at $4 million.
There are two wild-card spots still to be filled to complete the 36 players who make up Unrivaled.
But as of Thursday morning, Clark is not expected to join the league.
She became the WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick after setting multiple NCAA records at Iowa, and has been at the center of the national sports conversation for the last two years.
Clark should be able receive much-needed downtime before the WNBA returns.
That date is still to be determined, since players opted out early from a collective bargaining agreement with the league.