Move over, Messi, there’s a new superstar getting showered in insane amounts of cash. That’s right—Caitlin Clark, the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year and basketball sensation, is now at the center of a financial bidding war that could leave even the most seasoned athletes shaking their heads. So, what’s the deal? It seems the new kids on the block, the Unrivaled league, are desperately trying to lure Clark away from her peaceful offseason slumber by tossing a “Messi-like” offer her way. And let’s just say, this offer is probably big enough to have Clark pondering whether she should actually consider putting her feet back on the court—just after she vowed to stay away from any basketball activities during her offseason.
But before you imagine Clark casually strolling into a 3×3 game while pocketing millions, let’s rewind a little.
Enter Aliyah Boston
Aliyah Boston—Clark’s Indiana Fever teammate—has already signed up for the Unrivaled league. Boston gleefully announced her decision on social media, sounding like she was on her way to a tropical vacation rather than a fierce 3×3 basketball showdown. “MIAMIIII LETS GET IT. so excited !!!!!!” she posted, followed by a few extra exclamation points because, well, that’s what you do when you’re about to sign up for what is basically basketball’s version of a music festival.
Boston’s signing comes hot on the heels of Lexie Hull, another Fever player who joined the Unrivaled league. It seems the allure of quick games, big paychecks, and a Miami tan is just too strong to resist. And now, the million-dollar question (or £11.5 million, to be precise): Will Caitlin Clark join them?
Clark’s Dilemma: Big Bucks or Big Break?
Here’s where things get spicy. Just days ago, Clark said she was looking forward to a basketball-free offseason, hoping to finally live the quiet life. She told ESPN that she wanted to “get out of the spotlight” and have some well-deserved me-time. After all, when you’re dominating every court you touch, maybe a little R&R doesn’t sound too bad.
But… there’s always a but. When someone throws the phrase “Messi-like offer” at you, you might start rethinking your plans to sip iced tea on the porch. According to sources, Unrivaled is waving an enormous financial carrot in front of Clark, similar to the kind of deal Lionel Messi got when he joined Inter Miami (yes, the same Messi who also got a chunk of Apple TV’s revenue and a piece of Adidas’s profits). That’s the level of ridiculous cash we’re talking about here.
The Unrivaled Temptation
Unrivaled, the fledgling 3×3 basketball league, has already snagged some of the WNBA’s brightest stars—and let’s face it, they’ve clearly saved the juiciest roster spot for Clark. The league is co-founded by WNBA royalty Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, and if that wasn’t star-studded enough, they’re throwing their inaugural event in Miami—because of course, Miami.
Unrivaled’s president, Alex Bazzell, wasn’t shy about wanting Clark on board. “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark. We’re not applying a full court press the way people think… but yeah, she knows we’re here when she’s ready,” Bazzell told Sportico. Translation: We’re cool if you want to take a break, but when you’re done napping, we’ll be right here with that suitcase of cash.
To Play or Not to Play?
While Clark has been vocal about her desire for an offseason, the presence of her pals Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, and even Las Vegas Aces star Kate Martin in the Unrivaled league might just pull her in. After all, who doesn’t want to ball with their friends, especially when the beach is just around the corner?
As we await Clark’s final decision, one thing is certain: She’s not just the future of basketball; she’s also the hottest free agent in town, and everyone—especially Unrivaled—is ready to roll out the red carpet. Whether she chooses to keep things low-key or cash in on a lucrative Miami winter, one thing’s for sure—Caitlin Clark’s offseason isn’t going to be as quiet as she thought.
But hey, if you’re going to break your offseason silence, might as well do it for a deal worth more than most people’s dream homes, right?
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