As the regular season wraps and the Fever secure their playoff spot, the pressure of a rushed comeback is finally off Caitlin Clark’s shoulders. The Indiana star, widely regarded as the WNBA’s “needle-mover,” carries expectations unlike anyone else in the league. A right groin injury, coupled with multiple soft tissue setbacks, made an immediate return unrealistic. Now, Clark can dedicate herself fully to offseason recovery, allowing her body to heal and strengthen. Whether this journey will include any stops on her path to becoming truly unrivaled remains to be seen—but the foundation is being carefully laid.

Last year, the BIG3 offered Caitlin Clark $15 million to compete in their 10-week 3-on-3 league, but the Indiana star wasn’t swayed. “We offered Caitlin Clark $15 million… It started at $5 million. But the official last offer was $15 million for 10 weeks!” said Tattoo, the voice of BIG3, in a recent interview. Even Unrivaled attempted to sign her with a deal exceeding $1 million, plus extra incentives for the three-month league—a package FOS called “Lionel Messi-like.” Clark declined, choosing to rest after a whirlwind year in college and the WNBA. Now, as the next season approaches, all eyes are on whether the league will pursue her—or if she’ll even consider returning.

Unrivaled President Alex Bazzell, who is also the husband of Lynx center and league co-founder Napheesa Collier, offered insight into the league’s approach via Sports Business Journal. “How we approach it is we don’t really apply pressure. Everyone who’s not currently in the league and who’s a top player, not just her, knows we’re a phone call away. It doesn’t mean there’s always going to be a spot because we have to fill spots… But she’s one of the rare players who–she was first-team all-W last year. She’s a great player. So we haven’t really approached those conversations. We aren’t in conversations.” But even if she wishes to, will the injury allow her?

Clark was even spotted running 5-on-0 reps before she was fully cleared, signaling that her recovery is progressing, though the exact timeline remains uncertain. With the 2026 Unrivaled season likely starting in January, she would have ample time to get back into game shape. Participating in the 3v3 league could give her a controlled dose of competitive basketball, allowing her to sharpen her skills without overextending herself. The league also sees itself as a stepping stone to the WNBA. A place for athletes to have winter ball at home.

According to The Next’s Chelsea Leite, “The idea is for Unrivaled to be an offseason development league to help players with their specific training goals as well as becoming more well-rounded players.” It looks like a good opportunity, but Bazzell is giving Clark her space. He further said, “Do I think she should play this off-season? Yeah, I do think she should play somewhere. Obviously, we’d love to have her, but that’s a personal decision that her team, her family will go through.” But there’s a reason for lost hope from the Unrivaled camp, and it has nothing to do with her talent.

The 3-on-3 league is set to expand its roster from 36 to 42 players in 2026, and Bazzell has noted that roughly 90% of the spots are already filled. This naturally raises the question: how much time does Clark have to make her decision? “I mean, we always have flexibility. That’s the truth of it. We own all the teams. We own the league. But I don’t think we’re going to ruin someone else’s experience [who’s already signed] by adding a player late. So I think we’re always conscious of both sides, but it’s all based on the opportunity and when it comes about,” Bazzell explained.

So Clark can’t go in the day before the tournament starts and take a player’s spot, but she has extra rope considering her stature. In addition to that, Clark and Collier share the same agent, Erin Kane of Excel Sports Management, making the communication between them without any lag. There are many layers to this decision, and we will probably return to this conversation in a couple of months. Clark will continue her rehab without the pressure. 

Why timing and optics matter more than money for Caitlin Clark’s addition

Unrivaled finds itself at a delicate juncture, with WNBA players advocating for higher salaries and improved working conditions in their primary league. Amidst this push, the 3-on-3 league faces its own uncertainties. As has been the case with previous collective bargaining agreements, the final outcome will likely ripple across labor standards throughout women’s professional sports. It will also directly impact domestic and overseas basketball leagues that employ WNBA talent, creating a complex landscape for player participation and league operations.

Complicating matters further, co-founders Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart recently faced unfounded allegations of a conflict of interest. Some time back, a social media comment triggered, and questioned whether their roles as VP and President of the WNBPA, combined with their leadership of Unrivaled, could influence collective bargaining. “Breanna Stewart is WNBPA President. Napheesa Collier is VP. They co-founded Unrivaled—a league that benefits if there’s a WNBA lockout. And they’re leading CBA negotiations? How do you negotiate in good faith?” In reality, Nneka Ogwumike serves as WNBPA President, with Stewart and Collier as vice presidents, clarifying the record. But that human error apart, Phee has given it back.

Collier responded to the controversy with humor and candor, writing, “While everyone else was enjoying fireworks, you were thinking about how me & Stewie of all people are conspiring to force a lockout that would result in less money year-round for WNBA players?? 🧐😂😂😂.” Despite this clarification, murmurs continue among fans that any player involved with Unrivaled might be seen as having a conflict, given that participants receive a share of the league’s earnings.

Adding Caitlin Clark into the mix amplifies the scrutiny. Her stature in women’s basketball naturally draws attention, and any participation in Unrivaled could spark further speculation. For Clark to join, she will likely need assurances that playing in the 3-on-3 league will not impact her WNBA standing. While compensation may not be a concern for her—evidenced by her past decision to decline BIG3 and Unrivaled offers—the potential perception and long-term implications make careful navigation essential for both Clark and the league.