Caitlin Clark is focused on staying present instead of planning her next move for after her rookie season.
The Fever star was noncommittal when asked about potentially joining the Unrivaled basketball league, a newly launched 3v3 league by the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart and Lynx’s Napheesa Collier.
“Honestly, I’m just focused on this right now,” Clark told reporters Tuesday. “One thing at a time. Can’t always just be moving on to the next. My focus is right here.”
Collier previously said there will be at least four WNBA rookies in the new league, which begins its inaugural season in January 2025.
Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese — whose college rivalry with Clark helped bring record revenue and attendance to the women’s game — announced her participation in Unrivaled last month.
Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s WNBA draft and Reese, the No. 7 overall pick, return to action this week as the league resumes the second half of its season after the All-Star break and the Paris Olympics.
The pair were the only rookies to be named to the 2024 WNBA All-Star team, which beat Team USA in the All-Star Game last month in Phoenix.
Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles alongside Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) against Team USA during the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024.Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Unrivaled league is another pathway, including Athletes Unlimited, for WNBA players to play in the U.S. during the offseason, instead of going overseas, where they can earn more.
The new league has yet to announce its salary structure, but plans to set a record with the highest average salaries in women’s sports history.
All 30 initial players will receive equity ownership, according to the league’s website.
Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5) drives to the basket during the first half as USA Women’s National Team guard Kahleah Copper (7) defends at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024.Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It will feature an eight-week season with five players on each of the six teams. Each team will have a head coach and an assistant coach.
Unrivaled has not yet revealed its coaches.
UConn senior guard Paige Bueckers — the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft — signed an NIL deal with Unrivaled Basketball to secure an ownership stake in the league earlier this month.
The Unrivaled basketball league logo.@unrivaledbasketball/Instagram
In February, Unrivaled will feature a 1v1 single elimination tournament played to determine the best 1v1 player in the world.
The Sky (10-14) return to action Thursday to face the Mercury (13-12), while the Fever (11-15) host the Mercury on Friday.
