As if Caitlin Clark hasn’t kept us all on the edge of our seats enough this year, the Indiana Fever star is now making us wonder if she’ll step into the bold new world of the Unrivaled league, the women’s basketball brainchild of WNBA legends Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
Let’s be real: everyone and their basketball-loving grandma is curious if the sharpshooting sensation will join the league’s star-studded roster for its inaugural three-on-three showdown. But Clark, known for breaking ankles and records on the court, seems to be enjoying breaking our hearts off the court with her latest response: “We’ll see.” (Ouch. Couldn’t even give us a maybe?)
A Million Reasons to Join…But Will She?
Let’s talk numbers. According to inside sources, Unrivaled is dangling a carrot worth more than $1 million in front of Clark. And that’s not even counting the revenue-sharing deal that’s sweeter than your grandma’s apple pie. Think Lionel Messi’s Apple deal, but, you know, for a 22-year-old basketball phenom with unlimited three-point range.
Yet here we are, with Caitlin channeling her inner Zen master and “taking it as it goes.” Maybe she’s waiting for a sign from the basketball gods. Or perhaps she’s holding out to see how many more zeros they can tack on before she signs her name on the dotted line.
Star Power: Clark Joins the A-List… or Not?
Clark is no stranger to an All-Star lineup. I mean, she plays alongside Aliyah Boston on the Indiana Fever and had the best seat in the house when her former Iowa teammate Kate Martin signed with Unrivaled. And with names like Angel Reese and Jewell Loyd already making the roster glitter like a WNBA All-Star Game, Clark’s addition would turn this league into basketball’s version of the Avengers (minus the capes and villain monologues).
But, as Unrivaled’s president Alex Bazzell pointed out, they’re giving Clark the space to chill. He’s all but rolled out a red carpet, offering her a cushy spot on the roster whenever she’s ready. It’s the basketball version of “we’ll leave the light on for you.”
The Rookie Conundrum: Rest or Run?
Let’s not forget Clark is fresh off a demanding WNBA rookie season where she was pretty much a one-woman highlight reel. Rumor has it, she might be leaning towards skipping Unrivaled’s first season to recharge those superhuman batteries of hers. (Because after a season like hers, even superheroes need naps, right?)
With no offseason bonuses tied to her Fever contract, Clark’s decision won’t be about the money, but about whether she wants to chase buckets in the offseason or binge-watch Netflix in peace. Either way, the clock is ticking. She’s got until November 20th to give us something more definitive than a we’ll see.
What’s Next for Unrivaled?
The Unrivaled league has already captured attention with its unique format—three-on-three, fast-paced, and more stars than a Hollywood movie premiere. Kicking off in January with an eight-week season, this league is set to redefine women’s basketball. But one question looms larger than ever: will Caitlin Clark be the final piece to make this league must-see TV?
Only time will tell if Clark’s answer will leave fans cheering or throwing their remotes at the TV. For now, we wait… and hope she’s not too busy draining threes in her dreams to pick up that pen and sign the deal.
