Move over, Messi. There’s a new superstar in town, and her name is Caitlin Clark. The WNBA’s reigning Rookie of the Year is reportedly being courted by Unrivaled, a 3×3 basketball league that’s cooking up a deal so massive, it could send shockwaves through the sports world. How massive, you ask? Well, let’s just say Lionel Messi might want to take notes.
According to reports, Unrivaled is preparing a jaw-dropping offer for Clark that mirrors the staggering $850 million net worth of the Argentine soccer legend. Sure, Messi got a sweet $150 million package to jump to Major League Soccer, but this offer could take Clark to a whole new stratosphere of stardom—and bank accounts.
Clark: Basketball’s New Superstar
Ever since she stepped foot on a WNBA court, Caitlin Clark has been on fire—literally and figuratively. Not only did she shatter records and light up scoreboards in her rookie season, but she also became a walking ticket machine. Indiana Fever fans flocked to the arenas, desperate to catch a glimpse of the player who’s been drawing comparisons to both Steph Curry and, apparently, Lionel Messi.
Unrivaled knows a good thing when they see it. Co-founded by WNBA legends Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the fledgling league is making a huge push to land Clark during the offseason. And by huge, we mean potential franchise equity, revenue shares, and more cash than Clark’s probably seen in her life—all in a tidy three-month package.
If the “Caitlin Clark Effect” can do for Unrivaled what the “Messi Effect” has done for the MLS, it could lead to a massive surge in ticket sales, TV ratings, and a fresh crop of sponsorships from big-name brands. Rumor has it that Unrivaled is willing to offer Clark a deal that includes an equity stake in the league, making her more than just a player—she’d be a part-owner.
Sliding Into Stardom
Now, here’s the kicker. Unlike the WNBA, where pay is mostly set, Unrivaled operates on a sliding scale based on star power. The more you shine, the more you earn. And let’s face it, Clark’s wattage is blinding right now. Between her record-breaking WNBA season and her rabid fanbase, she’s easily one of the most marketable athletes in sports today.
So, how much could Clark pull in? A cool million, at least, according to reports. For less than three months of work, that’s not too shabby. Compare that to her rookie WNBA salary of just $76,000, and suddenly playing in the offseason sounds like a vacation with a massive payday.
From Hardwood to Golf Greens
But don’t think Clark is all business, all the time. The Iowa sharpshooter has one little complaint about her newfound WNBA fame: it’s eating into her golf time. Yes, you read that right. Clark might dominate the basketball court, but she’s got a love for the greens too—and this whole basketball thing? It’s messing with her swing.
“The only downside about the WNBA is during the summer. That’s when you golf,” Clark joked at a Nike event alongside WNBA legend Sue Bird. Turns out, Clark is so serious about her golf game that she’s been seen hitting the links with teammate Lexie Hull. And she’s got big dreams of teeing up with golf legend Annika Sorenstam, too.
Because why wouldn’t the queen of basketball want to challenge the queen of golf? It seems Clark is competitive no matter where she is—whether it’s a basketball court, a golf course, or even a water gun fight on the boardwalk.
What’s Next for the $850 Million Woman?
So, what’s Caitlin Clark going to do? Will she sign the mega-deal with Unrivaled and take women’s basketball (and her bank account) to unprecedented heights? Or will she hold out and focus on leading the Fever to a WNBA championship? Whatever she decides, one thing is clear—Caitlin Clark is about to change the game in more ways than one.
With Unrivaled dangling an offer this big, Clark could become the face of a revolution in women’s sports, where players are no longer just athletes—they’re business moguls. And if that doesn’t make you want to watch a 3×3 basketball league, well, maybe you just haven’t seen Caitlin Clark play yet.
Either way, buckle up. This ride’s only getting started.