Caitlin Clark ‘changes mind’ about taking mega-money job offer after ‘high-level talks’
A charm offensive has been launched to try and lure WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark to the emerging Unrivaled Series, which is due to launch its inaugural season in January 2025
Caitlin Clark is reportedly set for a major U-turn after holding talks with the Unrivaled Series.
The WNBA sensation, who was named Rookie of the Year for her stellar performances for the Indiana Fever, previously admitted she wasn’t interested in joining another basketball league over the offseason.
But now it appears the 22-year-old has changed her mind after reportedly receiving a gigantic offer following “high level talks” with the emerging competition. According to the Sports Business Journal, the contract she’s been offered is worth $1million (£775,000) for just three months, and includes “significant equity” in the business.
- Caitlin Clark sent direct 11-word message days after Lexie Hull agreement
- Caitlin Clark’s huge $15million offer, ‘mind-boggling’ payday and career switch plans
The Unrivaled Series, which was founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is a women’s three-on-three league. Its inaugural season tips off in Miami in January 2025 and will run until mid-March, roughly two months before the WNBA season begins.
Originally slated for 30 players, it was announced this week that it had expanded to 36 after “surpassing its initial revenue goals”, according to president Alex Bazzell. Interest in the league would almost certainly swell if organisers could lure in Clark, whose sensational Rookie season has helped popularize women’s basketball like never before.
Clark has been told she can “take as long as she wants” to decide, with Bazzell insisting that a place will be left open for her. “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark,” he told Sportico.
Later, he clarified: “We’re not applying a full-court press the way people think. We are letting her decompress from basketball. She knows that we have a spot for her when she’s ready. We have an obligation to continuously add the best of the best wherever we can.”
Despite being told she can take her time, the 36-player line-up for the competition is set to be formally confirmed on November 20, which gives Clark just under three weeks to make her mind up. The reported $1m salary dwarves the base wages she has been earning in the WNBA ($76,535/£58,950). That said, her income is boosted by a host of endorsement deals with blue chip companies such as Gatorade, Swoosh and State Farm.
Unrivaled have also strategically signed two of Clark’s closest friends; Fever team-mate Lexie Hull and former college team-mate Kaye Martin. It’s also understood that bosses think there’s a “60/40” chance that Clark will sign up too.
