Caitlin Clark is committed to the WNBA, and she had no problem admitting so. While speaking to reporters following the first day of training camp with Team USA Friday, Clark made it clear she's not planning to join Project B at all. "I mean, I plan to play in the WNBA," Clark said when the topic was broached.
On that note, Clark also emphasized that in order to do that, the WNBA and the players union need to come to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). "Obviously, that's another thing that we need to get done so we have another, so we have a season coming up here," she added.
Clark did highlight something positive that Project B's existence makes clear: there's still a lot of interest in women's basketball, and it's safe to assume that interest is solidly international. She explained, "But, you know, I think more than anything it showcases what people think of women's basketball. All of these different opportunities, all these different leagues, the platform that they want to give women's basketball, where they think women's basketball is going to continue to grow. I think that's probably the thing that pops into my mind is just that of like people are really believing and putting their money where their mouth is."
Caitlin Clark reflected on coming back to 5x5 basketball after injury
As many WNBA fans well know, Clark missed most of the 2025 season battling several injuries that ultimately made it impossible for her to return to the court for the Indiana Fever. That makes her appearance at USA Basketball's training camp her official return to 5x5 basketball, something she was clearly excited about.
Being forced to take time away from the court "honestly taught me more than I've probably ever learned through the course of my career ... how to take care of your body, how to get right, how to stay healthy," she explained.
Like a lot of attendees, Clark also emphasized how impactful it is to play for Team USA. Though she's very familiar with the junior program, this is Clark's senior debut. She's joining nine other players — Angel Reese, Kiki Iriafen, Lauren Betts, JuJu Watkins, Cameron Brink, Veronica Burton, Sonia Citron, Rickea Jackson, and Paige Bueckers — who are also joining USA Basketball's senior level for the first time.
Where the WNBA CBA negotiations stand now
There haven't been a lot of CBA updates since a flurry of news earlier in December. Both parties currently have until January 9 to come to a new agreement — a reality that has already delayed the Expansion Drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, and could threaten free agency in 2026.