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As a new league, Project B is searching for its credibility. Signing Caitlin Clark can singlehandedly propel the newly minted league onto new heights, becoming a serious threat to the WNBA. Sophie Cunningham had already revealed that Clark’s answer was a firm “No,” but now we have received a clear answer from Clark herself. 

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“I plan to play in the WNBA,” Clark said flatly after being asked about Project B.  It seems Project B is far away from her radar, much like the Unrivaled. Despite endless pursuit by Alex Bazzell, she remained firm on her decision. Project B is different from Unrivaled. It’s five-on-five and offering much more money. Millions and stakes in the competition, if reports are to be believed. For Caitlin Clark, that is a positive sign for women’s basketball but not something she is interested in, yet.

“I think more than anything, it showcases what people think of women’s basketball. All these different opportunities, all these different leagues, the platform that they want to give women’s basketball, where they think women’s basketball is going to continue to grow.” Clark further said.  “I think that’s probably the thing that pops into my mind is just that of like people are really believing and putting their money where their mouth is and that hasn’t always been the case for women’s basketball no matter how great it’s been over the course of the last 25-30 years and so I think for myself like that’s probably what I’m most proud of.”

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There is an argument that the world waited for the spark in women’s basketball before heavily investing in its growth. Despite girls’ college basketball beginning in the 70s, the WNBA was only established in 1996. Attendance and revenue struggled over the years, and the change arrived with Clark’s draft class in 2024. As popularity exploded, players now receive more brand deals, and will get higher salaries from the next CBA. Clark also emphasised that this CBA battle is the most crucial juncture for the sport.

“This is the biggest moment the WNBA has ever seen. It’s not something that can be messed up, and we’re going to fight for everything that we deserve.” Clark said. “But at the same time, we need to play basketball. That’s what our fans crave, and that’s what all of you crave as well, because you want the product on the floor, and at the end of the day, that’s how you make the money.”

The players’ union thwarted the most recent offer from the WNBA. The WNBA reportedly offered a proposal with a significant pay increase, a base max contract above $1 million, an average salary above $500,000 and a minimum salary above $225,000 and a form of revenue sharing. However, the league also suggested a possible mid-March starting date for training camp and eliminating housing subsidies for the players. That was a dealbreaker for the players. Both parties have less than a month to sort it out. 

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“It’s business, it’s a negotiation. There has to be compromise on both sides. It’s starting to get down to the wire a little bit. Obviously, I want to help in any way I can,” Clark explained. “There are different things that we can say ‘we deserve that’ and aren’t going to compromise that, and other things that we can probably compromise on. Like I said, this is the biggest moment in the history of the WNBA, and I don’t want that to be forgotten.”

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Their priority of revenue sharing has been conceded by the WNBA. While the percentage remains up in the air (reportedly), it can be negotiated within the timeline. There are multiple demands from the players that the league has denied, like leave for non-birthing parents, retirement benefits, and mental health services, along with others. 

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The players will need to accept some ground realities of the WNBA and concede some of their demands in this negotiation to come to a timely conclusion. No one wants the 2026 season to be delayed, or worse, cancelled, but it means even more for Caitlin Clark, who is coming back from injury prone season. 

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Caitlin Clark Wastes No Time Making Noise at Team USA Camp

Caitlin Clark spent the majority of the 2025 WNBA season on the bench. She suffered repeated soft tissue injuries and ended up playing only 13 games for the Indiana Fever. Even during some of those games, she was not at her best. She ultimately ruled herself out in the final weeks of the regular season and focused on her recovery. While the fans have heard from Clark that she was back at her best at the Annika Pro Am, watching her play at the camp was a moment of celebration.  

“I’m at 100%,” Clark told reporters, per Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports. “Obviously, I need to knock off a little bit of rust and get my lungs back, but my body feels really good. I feel like I’m in a really good spot. So, my main goal is just staying that way.”

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She did not look ‘rusty’ in the few highlights we saw on social media. In one of the plays, USA Basketball posted, Clark effortlessly scored her trademark step-back three in transition. In another play, Clark was playing lockdown defense on the perimeter, which ultimately forced a turnover.  “She’s a terrific player, really locked in and focused,” coach Kara  Lawson said of Clark. “I thought she looked good on both ends. And I thought that she hadn’t missed the beat.”

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There were some concerns that her lingering injuries might affect her game once she returns, but we haven’t seen any indication of Clark slowing down so far. Undoubtedly, Clark will only improve from here on. That is a great sign for the Indiana Fever, Team USA, and women’s basketball in general. 

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