Which team will WNBA star Caitlin Clark play for in Unrivaled? know here

The highly anticipated Unrivaled basketball league is set to tip off on Friday night, with co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart facing off in the inaugural game between the Lunar Owls Basketball Club and Mist Basketball Club. The league, backed by $35 million in investments from some of the biggest names in sports, is poised to shake up the WNBA offseason.

Caitlin Clark recently turned up to supports Chiefs at the Arrowhead Stadium during the game against Texans in NFL Divisional round. Clark has been a Chiefs fan along with Swiftie.

A New Opportunity for WNBA Stars

Unlike the traditional route of playing overseas during the offseason, Unrivaled offers WNBA stars the chance to stay in the U.S., hone their skills, and earn lucrative contracts. The 3-on-3 league has already attracted major women’s basketball icons, including Sabrina Ionescu, Brittney Griner, Alyssa Thomas, and Skylar Diggins-Smith, who will all be competing in the inaugural season. Angel Reese and Arike Ogunbowale will also headline the second matchup on opening night.

Caitlin Clark’s Absence from Unrivaled

Despite the star-studded lineup, one major name is missing: Caitlin Clark. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year reportedly turned down an offer of $1 million plus equity in the league. Clark opted not to play organized basketball during her first professional offseason, focusing instead on other personal interests.

"This year is just not the best for me,” Clark told Time in her 2024 Athlete of the Year interview. However, she did leave the door open for a future appearance in the league, saying, “I don’t know what I’m going to do tomorrow, I don’t know what I’m going to do the next day." She mentioned that golf might be on her agenda until the weather turns cold in Indiana.

Clark’s Impact on WNBA Viewership

While Clark won’t be part of Unrivaled in its first season, her absence is felt. In her debut season with the Indiana Fever, Clark’s games averaged 1.19 million viewers, compared to just 394,000 for games without her. Her presence would undoubtedly have been a huge boost for the startup league.

Unrivaled Commissioner Leaves the Door Open for Clark

Unrivaled commissioner Micky Lawler expressed that the league is open to Clark joining in the future. "The door is always open," Lawler said, suggesting that Clark could potentially join the league in 2026 or beyond.

Unrivaled’s Foundation for Success

Although the league starts without the two biggest stars in women’s basketball—Clark and 2024 MVP A'ja Wilson—Unrivaled has established a solid foundation for success. With massive investments, a roster of iconic players, and a media rights deal with TNT Sports, the league is off to a promising start in its inaugural season.