Let’s break it down. The WNBA’s new prioritization rule kicks in for 2024, and it’s a game changer. Essentially, any player who isn’t back from overseas when training camp starts will be out for the season—no exceptions. This could seriously impact players who rely on international contracts for extra income, especially with major markets like Russia off the table due to the Brittney Griner situation.
Now, onto the wild part: there’s been big talk about Caitlin Clark and the new three-on-three league, Unrivaled. Rumor has it they’re ready to throw major money at her! Ice Cube’s Big 3 league even pitched her $5 million per year, along with some flashy perks like merchandise deals and partial ownership.
But here’s the twist: Unrivaled, based in Miami, is shaping up to be more than just an off-season gig. They’re promising a high-stakes environment with the top 30 players in a fresh three-on-three and one-on-one format. Think of it as basketball’s underground showdown right here in the U.S.
So, what’s the appeal of this league? The three-on-three format is intense, played on a smaller court with a 12-second shot clock, meaning no time to waste. It’s all about instinct, quick decisions, and pure skill. For a player like Clark, who thrives on deep threes and fast breaks, this setup is like handing her the perfect stage. Imagine her pulling up from the logo with defenders scrambling—her style would be electric in this format. The league wants her not just as a player but as the face of this movement.
However, Unrivaled isn’t a walk in the park. It’s aggressive, physical, and leaves no room for error. Every drive to the basket turns into a battle, and there’s nowhere to hide. Players like Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson know the competition is fierce and are watching closely to see if Clark will make the leap.
Even established WNBA stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, both co-founders of Unrivaled, would likely have mixed emotions about it. They know that Clark’s unique skills would make her a wild card in the three-on-three setting.
The real question is: Is this the right move for Clark? There’s huge money on the table, no overseas flight time zones, and the opportunity to play in packed arenas with American fans. But there’s also the risk to her reputation. Clark is known as a competitor in the WNBA, and moving to a three-on-three league with no guarantees of longevity could shake things up. European leagues would pay her handsomely and treat her like royalty, but Unrivaled offers the chance to make a massive impact stateside, redefining her legacy right here at home.
So, is this the path for Clark? Should she embrace the fast-paced world of Unrivaled or stick with the more traditional route overseas?
