Caitlin Clark’s Unrivaled Status Receives Big Update After Kate Martin Decision
In this story:
1Comment
The possibility of Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark joining the new 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, set to start in January 2025, has gained serious momentum given recent events.
Over the past week, Unrivaled—founded by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier—added two of Clark’s close friends: Kate Martin of the Las Vegas Aces and Lexie Hull of the Fever.
Initially, Unrivaled planned to add 30 WNBA players to its rosters, but on Thursday, the league increased that number to 36 in hopes of attracting the former Iowa Hawkeyes star and other players close to her, including Indiana forward Aliyah Boston, who was just announced as the 30th player to join.
According to Sports Business Journal, most players will receive a $250,000 salary as part of Unrivaled’s strategy to offer the highest average salaries in women’s sports history.
Given Clark’s impact on the WNBA during the 2024 season, her offer to join the new Miami-based league is significantly higher, reportedly entering the seven-figure range.
Initially, after the Fever’s playoff elimination, her chances of joining appeared slim to none. However, with the additions of Martin and Hull, sources indicate that the All-WNBA star is now leaning toward playing, with her odds estimated at 60/40.
Clark has several considerations as she enters the decision process, and sources say Unrivaled has encouraged the 22-year-old to “take as long as she wants.”
“[It] comes down to mental health, stress, or playing ball, which she loves,” one source said. “[Clark] has not decided yet… there will be a spot for her if she wants it, and she will be paid for what she brings to the league, as much as a new league can afford… I think in a few weeks, we’ll know.”
Unrivaled has also reached an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery worth roughly $100M to begin a multi-year media rights partnership deal with TNT. With the addition of Clark to the league, the views would almost be guaranteed, given the number of records she broke during the 2024 WNBA season, whether it be viewership or attendance.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Clark finished her first professional season averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds and a league-leading 8.4 assists, on her way to breaking the single-season assists record. She even led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Clark would certainly boost the level of play in Unrivaled as well if she were to join.
