For the second year in a row, WNBA fans won’t see Caitlin Clark in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
Despite being offered a “Messi-like” contract worth seven figures with equity and revenue sharing, Clark turned it down, citing her recovery from a groin injury as the top priority.
“There’s some USA Basketball stuff I need to get ready for, and I need to be able to find some runs and some ways to play 5-on-5 just so I can get that feel back,” Clark explained. “But more than anything, I think my main focus is really just getting my body healthy.”
Her decision sparked a split reaction online.
One fan wrote,
“Unrivaled needs Caitlin. She does not need Unrivaled.”
“Not really breaking news. She’s said before she’s not a fan of 3-on-3 basketball. It’s just not her thing.”
Not really breaking news. She’s said before she’s not a fan of 3 on 3 basketball. It’s just not her thing.
— I am Legend (@Grannytologist) October 2, 2025
A third focused on her recovery, saying,
“I don’t blame Caitlin Clark. She needs to heal fully, plus her net worth is probably more than the entire Unrivaled league.”
Unrivaled’s second season tips off January 5, expanding from 36 to 48 players across eight teams. Even without Clark, the league has momentum — but her absence remains glaring.
Clark Sides With Collier in CBA Fight, WNBA Fans go wild
Clark also made headlines by backing Collier’s recent criticisms of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who drew fire for saying stars like Clark and Angel Reese should be “grateful” to the league.
“I have great respect for Phee… she made a lot of valid points. Phee said it all. … This is straight-up the most important moment in this league’s history,” Clark said.
Fans immediately latched onto her words. One joked,
“Clark siding with Collier feels like when the quiet kid finally speaks up in class… and the whole room realizes the teacher’s cooked.”
Clark siding with Collier feels like when the quiet kid finally speaks up in class… and the whole room realizes the teacher’s cooked. 📚🔥
— Ole Shangai 🇰🇪🇿🇦 (@shangai_ole) October 2, 2025
“Clark calling it the most important moment says a lot. Think this could actually change the league’s trajectory?”
With the current CBA set to expire on October 31, tensions between players and the league office are reaching a breaking point. If no deal is reached, the WNBA could be headed toward a lockout — with Clark and Collier now firmly aligned.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
