Caitlin Clark, the prominent women’s basketball star, is at the center of exciting opportunities as she becomes the target of Unrivaled—a new startup league led by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. As the WNBA prepares for significant negotiations between players and owners, Unrivaled has made clear its intent to offer Clark a lucrative contract.
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The Threat of a WNBA Lockout
Recently, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) opted out of its current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), paving the way for negotiations over revenue sharing and player benefits. If no new agreement is reached before the CBA’s expiration at the end of next season, the WNBA could face a potential lockout. This disruption could prompt many players, including Clark, to explore other opportunities during the league’s hiatus.
Despite the WNBA’s growth in viewership—culminating in a record-breaking finals game between the Liberty and Lynx—the league remains financially challenged, having yet to turn a profit in its history. This raises questions about the WNBA’s ability to financially compete with Unrivaled.
The Appeal of the Unrivaled League
Unrivaled aims to set itself apart from traditional basketball with a 3-on-3 format, designed to streamline operations and maintain financial efficiency by limiting the roster to just 30 players in its first season. This structure not only reduces expenses but also creates an ideal stage for stars like Clark to take center stage.
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Most notably, Unrivaled has announced plans to offer the highest average salaries in the history of women’s professional sports leagues. According to Front Office Sports, Unrivaled may even offer Clark a groundbreaking deal, akin to Lionel Messi’s recent contract with Inter Miami FC, complete with ownership rights and additional financial incentives.
Clark, currently earning a starting salary of $76,535 in the WNBA, could see a substantial income increase by joining Unrivaled. Her salary is expected to increase to $78,066 next year, which still pales in comparison to Unrivaled’s proposed compensation. In addition to competitive salaries, Unrivaled promises equity in the league for players who join in the inaugural season.
Caitlin Clark’s Influence on Women’s Basketball Growth
Beyond her personal achievements, Caitlin Clark plays a pivotal role in driving the popularity of women’s basketball in the U.S. This past season, she broke several WNBA records, from assist milestones to rookie scoring records, and led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in eight years. In fact, the 15 most-watched WNBA games this season featured Clark.
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With a playoff game drawing over 2.5 million viewers, Clark has helped WNBA reach new viewership heights. Her influence demonstrates her value to the sport’s growth and why Unrivaled views her as a core figure in their fan engagement strategy.
What Lies Ahead for Caitlin Clark?
As WNBA negotiations with the WNBPA unfold, Clark has a number of enticing options. With an offer from Unrivaled, where she stands to gain both higher earnings and a key role in shaping the league’s identity, Clark faces a rare career opportunity.
Additionally, the WNBA is working to secure its financial future, having signed an 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million with NBC, Disney, and Amazon Prime, starting in 2026. With playoff viewership up by over 140% and strong revenue potential, the WNBA remains a top destination for stars. However, to retain talents like Clark, the WNBA must offer a more attractive package of financial incentives and benefits.
