After an extraordinary rookie season in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark may soon face a major decision: focus on her golf game or step into the spotlight of a new women’s 3-on-3 basketball league. The league, called Unrivaled, is the brainchild of WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. With its debut set for January in Miami, the league is eager to bring Clark on board as one of the final four players needed to complete its 30-player roster.
Unrivaled was designed as a platform for WNBA players to earn additional income during the off-season, with six teams composed of five players each. The league recently secured a significant partnership with TNT Sports, ensuring the broadcast of more than 45 games across TNT, TruTV, and the Max streaming service. This new venture offers a more lucrative and competitive option than overseas leagues, which have traditionally been the go-to for players seeking off-season opportunities.
Despite the enticing opportunity, Clark has expressed her desire for a break from basketball after a grueling year. In 2024, she made history as the all-time leading scorer in collegiate basketball and led the Iowa Hawkeyes to the National Championship game. After being drafted into the WNBA, she immediately made waves, breaking multiple records in her rookie season with the Indiana Fever. Understandably, she now seems focused on some much-needed downtime, spending her off-season on the golf course and even preparing to participate in an LPGA pro-am event hosted by Annika Sorenstam in November.
Yet, Clark’s decision could have significant implications for both her career and the new league. Her presence in Unrivaled would bring immediate star power, boosting fan engagement and increasing the value of the league’s recent television deal. However, for now, her attention seems to be on perfecting her golf swing. Videos of her near hole-in-one shots and her excitement for upcoming golf events suggest that basketball is taking a backseat, at least for the moment.
While Clark has secured financial success with major endorsement deals, including an $8 million contract with Nike, her participation in Unrivaled could help further elevate the visibility of women’s sports. Even though she might not need the extra income, her potential move to the new league would certainly amplify its profile. As the start of the league approaches, and with winter making golf less appealing, Clark may find herself drawn back to the court, where her talents could continue to captivate basketball fans.
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