Breaking News: Basketball Phenom Caitlin Clark Opts Out of Groundbreaking 3-on-3 League
In a surprising turn of events, basketball sensation Caitlin Clark has decided to sit out the inaugural season of the Unrivaled League, a new professional women’s 3-on-3 basketball venture set to launch in January 2025.
As your courtside correspondent, I can tell you the basketball world is buzzing with this latest development. The Indiana Fever star, who has been lighting up courts and breaking records, turned down an opportunity that many fans eagerly anticipated.
The Unrivaled League, the brainchild of basketball powerhouses Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, announced 34 of its 36 roster spots on Wednesday. While two “wild card” positions remain open, sources confirm Clark won’t be filling either slot.
What makes this decision particularly noteworthy? Let’s break it down:
Clark’s Stellar Year:
- Set the NCAA Division I scoring record for both women’s and men’s basketball
- Earned the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft
- Won WNBA Rookie of the Year
- Led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016
- Averaged an impressive 19.2 points per game
- They topped the League with 8.4 assists per game
The Unrivaled League isn’t short on star power despite Clark’s absence. Her Fever teammates are jumping into the action – Aliyah Boston joins the Vinyl team under coach Teresa Weatherspoon, while Lexie Hull heads to the Rose squad led by Nola Henry.
The League’s structure is straightforward: six teams will compete in Miami, with games starting January 17, 2025. This compact format promises fast-paced, intense basketball action.
While Clark won’t be on the 3-on-3 court, she’s keeping busy. Last week, she showed versatility at The Annika LPGA tournament’s pro-am event. Looking ahead, she’ll be the keynote speaker at a prominent women’s sports awards luncheon in Kansas City on February 4 at T-Mobile Center.
Why This Matters: The new League represents a bold step forward for women’s basketball, offering players additional opportunities to compete and earn during the WNBA off-season. While Clark’s decision to skip the inaugural season might disappoint some fans, it reflects the increasing options available to top athletes in managing their careers.
According to Ben Pickman of The Athletic, an open invitation still stands for Clark should she change her mind. This flexibility shows the League’s eagerness to welcome top talent while respecting players’ personal choices.
The basketball community is now watching with interest to see who will claim those final two wild card spots. Meanwhile, Clark’s focus likely remains on building upon her remarkable rookie season with the Fever, during which she helped transform a struggling franchise into a playoff contender.
This story highlights the evolving landscape of women’s professional basketball, where players increasingly have the power to shape their careers on their terms. As the Unrivaled League prepares for its January launch, one question remains: Who will step up to fill those final roster spots?
Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting new chapter in women’s basketball unfolds.