We have significant developments today surrounding basketball star Caitlin Clark and the evolving dynamics between the WNBA and the newly-formed Unrivaled League. Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA standouts Nefisa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is reportedly set to make another aggressive attempt to recruit Caitlin Clark following their recent media partnership with TNT Sports.

This media deal, while unconventional, involves TNT Sports investing directly in the league, making Clark’s potential recruitment crucial for Unrivaled’s financial success. The league needs a prominent figure like Clark to boost viewership and ensure a return on investment for its backers.

Earlier this season, Clark reportedly declined Unrivaled’s initial overtures, preferring to focus on her rookie season with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. However, sources suggest Unrivaled is now more determined than ever, with plans to approach the Iowa sensation in the coming weeks. The stakes are high—Clark’s ability to draw crowds has been well-documented, with her presence consistently filling larger arenas and driving significant increases in television ratings. If Unrivaled wants to establish itself as a credible competitor to the WNBA, securing a player of Clark’s caliber seems essential.

Unrivaled’s timing is, however, a point of contention. While league officials claim they did not want to rush Clark’s decision, the season has only just concluded, leaving some to wonder why the league didn’t approach her earlier. Regardless, Unrivaled knows that Clark’s presence could be a game-changer, especially with the league’s financial future riding on such high-profile signings.

Complicating matters, Clark’s off-the-court earnings are already substantial. Her eight-year, $28 million deal with Nike is among the largest for a female athlete, suggesting that she may not be easily swayed by Unrivaled’s financial offers. Still, Nefisa Collier hinted that the league may be looking to add more rookies to its roster, clearly alluding to Clark as a priority.

Collier, who co-founded Unrivaled with Stewart, has been vocal about the tremendous impact Clark has had on the sport. She acknowledged the significant boost in viewership and attendance attributed to Clark’s games, and suggested that Clark’s value far exceeds her current WNBA salary of $75,000. This has reignited conversations about the financial structures within the WNBA, where player salaries are often capped due to the league’s overall revenue limitations.

Adding another layer of complexity, both Collier and Stewart are heavily involved in the WNBA’s player union, with Stewart serving as vice president. Their dual roles as players and league owners raise potential conflicts of interest, especially when recruiting talent like Clark. These overlapping responsibilities have led some to question whether such recruitment efforts are entirely fair, given their positions within the WNBA’s leadership.

Fan reaction to the possibility of Clark joining Unrivaled has been mixed. While some believe Unrivaled offers her a more lucrative and high-profile opportunity, others argue that she should remain in the WNBA. Polls indicate that a majority of Clark’s fan base is against her joining Unrivaled, pointing to concerns over how her supporters have been treated by the fledgling league. Unrivaled has previously faced backlash after liking social media posts critical of Clark, which has raised doubts about how her fan base would be welcomed if she were to make the switch.

There is no denying Caitlin Clark’s immense impact on the WNBA’s success this season. Attendance increased by nearly 50%, and viewership saw a staggering 170% rise, numbers largely attributed to Clark’s star power. Yet, major media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, have seemingly downplayed her contribution, instead focusing on other WNBA players like Diana Taurasi, Breanna Stewart, and Asia Wilson. While these stars are undoubtedly talented, there’s little question that Clark’s debut season has been a significant factor in the league’s recent success.

Behind the scenes, Unrivaled is reportedly counting on Clark’s participation to help secure its financial future. Without a marquee player like her, the league faces an uphill battle to establish itself as a sustainable competitor to the WNBA. Yet, as negotiations continue, one thing is clear: Clark’s next move will have far-reaching implications for women’s basketball, and all eyes are on her as she navigates this pivotal decision.