With the WNBA season coming to a close, attention has turned to the offseason plans of the league’s Rookie of the Year, Caitlin Clark. The Unrivaled Basketball League, founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is making waves in women’s basketball by offering equity and high salaries to its players. Lexie Hull, a teammate of Clark’s, was announced as the 29th player in the league’s talent pool, joining other stars like Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, and Arike Ogunbowale for the inaugural season in January 2025. The league recently expanded its talent pool to 36 players, with Kate Martin of the Las Vegas Aces also joining. Many are hopeful that Clark, and even MVP A’ja Wilson, will sign on with Unrivaled.
Unrivaled’s appeal to top WNBA talent goes beyond the involvement of Stewart and Collier, as the league offers historic contracts with the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history. Clark has reportedly received a lucrative offer to join the league, surpassing her WNBA rookie salary by more than $1 million. In addition to high salaries, players also have revenue-sharing opportunities and the chance to compete in primetime television slots on TNT and truTV, with all games streamed on Max. With the promise of financial security, a roster full of star players, and television exposure, Unrivaled is positioning itself as a major player in women’s basketball.
Fans and analysts are eagerly awaiting Clark’s decision on whether to join the Unrivaled Basketball League, with comparisons being made to Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami FC in Major League Soccer. The opportunity for Clark to not only earn a significant salary but also have a stake in the league’s success is a major draw for the young star. With the league expanding its talent pool and attracting more top players, the potential for exciting competition and increased visibility for women’s basketball is on the horizon.
With Unrivaled offering unprecedented financial incentives and a unique ownership structure to its players, the league is reshaping the landscape of women’s basketball and garnering attention from both fans and athletes. As Clark weighs her options for the offseason, the basketball world is eagerly anticipating her decision and the potential impact it could have on the sport. With the stage set for a competitive and high-profile debut season, Unrivaled is poised to become a standout league in women’s basketball, with the pursuit of top talent like Caitlin Clark only adding to the anticipation surrounding the league’s launch.
