Caitlin Clark, the queen of basketball and apparently now golf courses, has decided to swat away a mind-blowing $1 million offer from the “Unrivaled” 3-on-3 women’s basketball league like it’s nothing but a pesky fly. The 22-year-old sensation, who can shoot a basketball from halfway across the court and make it look effortless, is choosing to spend her off-season walking fairways rather than draining buckets. Shocking, right?
“Unrivaled,” spearheaded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, was reportedly prepared to offer Clark a deal larger than her entire rookie salary—over 1,200 times larger, to be exact. That’s right, the WNBA Rookie of the Year’s humble $76,535 could’ve ballooned into a cool million. And yet, Clark’s response? A polite but firm “Nah, I’d rather be golfing, thanks.”
Imagine being able to say “no” to a million bucks. That’s Caitlin Clark’s world, folks.
Basketball’s Messi? Not Today!
In their attempt to woo Clark, “Unrivaled” was banking on her pulling a Messi-like move, turning the league into a media frenzy the way the soccer legend did with Major League Soccer (MLS). Remember when Messi signed with Inter Miami and got a $150 million deal, future ownership stakes, and a cut of revenue? Yeah, they thought Caitlin could do that for basketball. But Clark, ever the curveball, seems to prefer putters to playoff dreams right now.
For now, Clark is trading the squeak of sneakers on hardwood for the plonk of golf balls on lush greens. In fact, she’s already committed to competing in the LPGA’s The Annika in Florida next month, where she’ll be hobnobbing with golf legend Annika Sorenstam. “I love golf,” Clark gushed, adding that she’s beyond excited to tee up with a legend. But don’t worry, basketball lovers—she also hinted that she might come crawling back to the hardwood if the golf course gets a little too…boring. Her words, not mine.
So, Why Turn Down $1M?
Why, you ask, would anyone in their right mind turn down $1 million to play the sport that made them famous? Well, according to Clark, she’s been on a basketball whirlwind for months, jumping straight from her legendary college career into the WNBA like she’s sprinting downcourt in transition. Naturally, she’s craving a little “me time,” and by “me time,” she means perfecting her swing on the golf course. She’s even joked about turning pro in golf if things go well—who needs just one sport, right?
“I’m gonna play some golf. That’s what I’m gonna do until it gets too cold in Indiana,” she said, with all the confidence of someone who can sink a three-pointer with her eyes closed. “And then, when that gets boring, maybe I’ll pick up a basketball again.”
Maybe pick up a basketball? Oh, Caitlin, you tease. We see what you’re doing. Keeping the fans on their toes.
Unrivaled’s Scramble for Stars
Meanwhile, back at “Unrivaled” HQ, they’re still scrambling to fill their roster, which will feature six teams of five players. They’ve got 26 out of the 30 spots filled, but now that Clark’s out, the competition to fill those final four slots is probably as fierce as her jump shot. Each player in the league will earn a six-figure salary—nice, but not quite a cool mil.
The league kicks off on January 17, 2025, and although Clark won’t be there, we’ll be keeping an eye on her other competition—on the golf course, that is. Will she sink a hole-in-one, or will the boredom strike first, leading her back to her basketball roots?
Only time—and maybe a few missed putts—will tell. For now, grab your popcorn, because whether it’s basketball or golf, Caitlin Clark’s story is always worth watching.