We've heard it over and over again: Caitlin Clark isn't going to play offseason basketball, and that includes playing overseas, in AU Pro Basketball, or in Unrivaled. But in light of Napheesa Collier's explosive exit interview delivered Tuesday, September 30 — which included an assertion from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert that Clark should be "grateful" to the WNBA for the money she makes herself — the time to join at least one of those leagues has never been more ripe.
Caitlin Clark: you are Unrivaled... maybe?
As recently as September 8, Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell (who is also married to Collier) told The Athletic that Clark has not had any recent conversations about participating in the second season of the professional women's 3x3 basketball league in Miami. "There’s no current dialogue taking place right now," he told the outlet. "Everyone knows that we want the best players. Everyone knows that if they’re interested, we always have spots."
That echoes what we all heard in November 2024: Clark was busy with other things during the offseason, she wanted to focus on her body and her own WNBA game, and she didn't want to risk an injury. Of course, the undercurrent to the conversation was also present: Clark doesn't need the extra money, and at the time, no one knew exactly what Unrivaled would be like.
But now? Things are different now, and Collier's made sure of it.
There are two reasons why joining Unrivaled would be the right move for Caitlin Clark
There are two reasons why Clark should strongly consider joining the second season of Unrivaled. First and foremost, throwing both her literal and metaphorical weight behind what has emerged as the strongest competition for the WNBA would be a powerful statement in support of Collier and the rest of the WNBA. While not every player in the league has commented on what Collier said (including Clark herself), it's become clear in the hours that followed that there's already a lot of support simmering below the surface.
While Collier and Unrivaled cofounder Breanna Stewart have repeatedly made it clear that they are most supportive of a present and future in which both the WNBA and Unrivaled co-exist, it's been less clear if WNBA leadership shares that vision. Collier directly implied that Engelbert believes the WNBA is responsible for Clark's success — and that things are not, in fact, the other way around (at least to a degree).
The second reason is a little selfish (for Clark and for fans): the 23-year-old missed over 30 games this WNBA season, and is likely hungry to play a little pro basketball. Fans are similarly hoping to see Clark in action sooner than later. Spending a few months in Miami playing basketball certainly isn't the worst way for anyone to pass the winter, especially Caitlin Clark.
There's actually a third reason, too: it would just be a hell of a lot of fun.