WNBA offseason? For most players, that’s code for hopping on a plane to Europe or Asia to rack up points—and paychecks—in far-flung pro leagues. But for Las Vegas Aces star Alysha Clark, this offseason brings a slam dunk of a different kind. She’s staying stateside, trading jet lag for home-court love, and suiting up in the Athletes Unlimited (AU) Pro Basketball League.
Home Court Advantage with a Family Twist
So, why the AU League? Money? Sure, but Clark has a heartwarming ace up her sleeve—or maybe it’s just her nieces and nephew tugging on her jersey. “The fact that my nieces and nephew will be able to come watch me play every weekend makes my heart so happy,” Clark wrote on Instagram, her caption practically dripping with wholesome family vibes.
Yes, it turns out Alysha Clark, three-time WNBA champ and 2023 Sixth Woman of the Year, is human after all. And with the AU League’s 2025 season tipping off in her home state of Tennessee, it’s a win-win for family reunions and crossover dribbles. Tennessee folks, prepare for Clark’s friends and family section to rival a Taylor Swift concert.
AU League: Where Strategy Meets Shenanigans
If you’re imagining the AU League as a WNBA-lite, think again. This is a basketball Hunger Games, complete with weekly re-drafts and a scoring system that would give accountants nightmares. Players rack up points for assists, rebounds, and basically anything that doesn’t involve face-planting on the hardwood. Negative plays like turnovers and fouls? Say goodbye to those precious points.
And here’s the kicker: there’s no championship team. Instead, players fight for individual glory. Forget banners; in the AU League, you’re playing for bragging rights and maybe a shiny MVP award. Oh, and a hefty dose of humility—nothing says “team spirit” like competing against your friends week after week.
Clark Joins an All-Star Cast
Joining Clark in this basketball circus are fellow WNBA standouts Kia Nurse, Sydney Colson, and Lexie Brown. It’s like an All-Star Game with a twist—or a reality TV show where rebounds replace roses. With this roster, the AU League could double as a summer blockbuster.
At 36, Clark might not lead in flashy dunks, but her resume is proof she’s a cornerstone player. Twelve WNBA seasons, three championships, and a knack for stepping up in clutch moments make her one to watch. She averaged 6.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists last season, and she’s bringing all that—and a whole lot of Tennessee pride—to the AU League.
A Basketball Homecoming Worth Watching
For Clark, this isn’t just about hoops; it’s about reconnecting with her roots. From dominating at Mount Juliet High School to making waves at Belmont and Middle Tennessee State, she’s a local legend. Now, her hometown fans can cheer her on without hopping on a plane.
So, what’s next for Alysha Clark? Points, family bonding, and maybe a little trash-talking in the AU League. One thing’s for sure: Tennessee just became the offseason basketball capital of the world—or at least Clark’s world.
Get your popcorn ready, folks. The Athletes Unlimited season starts February 5, and it promises to be as unpredictable as Clark’s next Instagram post.