WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark has turned down a reported $1million offer to join the new ‘Unrivaled’ 3-on-3 basketball league ahead of its debut in Miami next month.
The breakaway league, set to launch on January 17, had hoped Clark’s star power could replicate the unprecedented surge in viewership she brought to the WNBA.
League officials had mounted what was described by ESPN as a ‘full court press’ to secure Clark’s participation, culminating in their reported $1m joining offer.
Wednesday’s unveiling of the six teams’ rosters notably excluded Clark’s name, though two wild card spots remained unfilled.
The league, founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, had been banking on Clark’s presence to boost its profile in its inaugural season.
Clark had previously maintained an ambiguous stance regarding her participation in the league.
Caitlin Clark turned down the $1m offer
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“We’ll see,” she said earlier this month. “I don’t know. Just taking it as it goes, and see if I want to play eventually.”
Despite not outright rejecting the possibility initially, Clark had indicated she would not participate in any offseason competition.
Basketball fans expressed frustration at the league’s marketing approach, particularly regarding Clark’s potential involvement.
“Unrivaled really dragged all this out for clicks only to have 2 unnamed wildcards,” one fan wrote on social media. “Beyond frustrating.”
The league had earlier posted a cryptic form letter on X, featuring Clark’s sponsor State Farm’s logo and multiple references to her jersey number ’22’.
The letter requested followers to watch the club selection show from “11 a.m. to 11:22 a.m. ET”.
Caitlin Clark has been on the course during the offseason
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Meanwhile, Clark has been focusing on her golf game during the WNBA offseason.
The basketball star has participated in two Pro-Am competitions as she takes time away from the court.
Her latest appearance on the course was in the star-studded pro-am at the RSM Classic 2024 this week.
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Clark was paired with fellow Hawkeye State native Zach Johnson for the pro-am as she continues her quest to ‘become a professional golfer’.
When asked to name her dream golfing foursome, Clark named Nelly Korda, Steph Curry and “any professional golfer, so I can get free lessons. Got to take advantage of what you can.”
Caitlin Clark has proven to be a huge hit with fans at the pro-am events
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