Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s rookie sensation and unofficial chaos coordinator of the WNBA, has once again seized the spotlight—this time, by not playing basketball. The budding superstar, whose mere existence seems to send ticket sales and TV ratings into orbit, has opted out of the much-hyped Unrivaled 3-on-3 league, leaving fans and critics to debate whether this is a boss move or a missed opportunity.
Unrivaled, the brainchild of Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is gearing up for its Miami debut this January, complete with a roster so star-studded it could blind you. Names like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Arike Ogunbowale are already inked in, and even Clark’s trash-talking nemesis, Angel Reese, will be there to keep things spicy. But alas, the league’s headliners will have to manage without Clark’s electrifying behind-the-back dribbles and her “hold my Gatorade” attitude.
Skip Bayless: The Human Bullhorn of Basketball Opinions
Leave it to Skip Bayless to turn Clark’s decision into the kind of sports sermon that gets Twitter—or X, as he insists on calling it—into a frenzy. “Good for Caitlin Clark not playing in this new 3-on-3 league,” he barked from his digital pulpit. “After all the jealousy and cheap shots she endured last season, she still almost snagged MVP. SHE’S the reason WNBA popularity exploded last year. She doesn’t need 3-on-3.”
Bayless, never one to hold back, framed Clark’s choice as a masterstroke of self-prioritization. According to him, dabbling in a novelty league would’ve been a downgrade for a player who already carries the WNBA on her shoulders like a basketball-crazed Atlas. And let’s be honest—after enduring enough on-court drama to rival a reality TV reunion, Clark probably deserves a little peace.
A League Without Clark: Star Power with a Side of FOMO
Unrivaled’s lineup may be stacked, but Clark’s absence is the elephant—or perhaps the giraffe dunking basketballs—in the room. While the Fever’s Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull are stepping in to represent the franchise, the lack of Clark will undoubtedly leave a void big enough to fit a half-court buzzer-beater.
For the league, her no-show feels like getting invited to a party where Beyoncé RSVPs “no.” Sure, the music’s still great, but the buzz? Diminished. Fans were hoping to see Clark drop dimes, drain threes, and maybe even unleash a staredown that could melt ice, but they’ll have to settle for what’s still shaping up to be an electrifying debut.
Caitlin Clark: A Walking Headline
Clark’s decision to sit out serves as another reminder of her growing influence. Whether she’s leading the Fever to improbable wins, sparking debates over goat-worthy dribbles, or simply saying “nah” to new ventures, her moves echo across the basketball world. Even the Unrivaled league can’t escape her gravitational pull; the narrative around its launch is now just as much about her absence as it is about its star-studded cast.
For now, Clark’s focus remains squarely on the WNBA, and if her rookie season was any indication, she’s just getting started. Love her or hate her, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing the game; she’s rewriting its rules. Skip Bayless approves—and for once, he might actually have a point.