Caitlin Clark needs little introduction. Her emergence in the NCAA, years before she first suited up for a WNBA game, has been attributed to the spike in popularity of women’s basketball. As a guard at the University of Iowa, Clark’s games drew millions of viewers while she neared — and eventually shattered — Pete Maravich’s record for points scored in a college career. When the Indiana Fever selected Clark at the top of the 2024 WNBA Draft, nearly 2.5 million people tuned in — and WNBA games that season drew more paying fans than at any point in two decades.
After leading the Fever to the playoffs in 2024, Clark raised eyebrows when she opted not to participate in the offseason Unrivaled league, the 3-on-3 competition that has gained significant traction as a domestic alternative to overseas play in between WNBA seasons. Ahead of Unrivaled’s second season, the league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart pushed hard to land Clark’s signature — but the superstar point guard’s continued absence looms large over a star-studded list of 48 players confirmed for the 2026 season.
Injuries disrupted Clark’s second season in the WNBA. Despite leading all players in All-Star voting, Clark was limited to only 13 games in 2025 as she battled groin and ankle injuries; she announced on Sept. 4 that she was shut down for the season, and the Fever made an inspiring run to the WNBA semifinals without her.
Despite reportedly offering Clark a seven-figure deal and a pathway to equity in the startup competition, Unrivaled still has not been able to entice the two-time WNBA All-Star to Miami for 3-on-3 action. It was confirmed last month that Clark would not join four of her Fever teammates in Unrivaled as she seeks to recover fully from her injury-plagued sophomore year in the pros.
Clark told reporters at Fever exit interviews last month that her top two offseason priorities were shaking off the injury bug and getting in game shape for “opportunities” with USA Basketball. Team USA will play in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Germany, where Clark will be expected to take on a starring role as the Americans pursue a fifth successive title.
