Caitlin Clark’s popularity has surged so dramatically that even new basketball leagues like Unrivaled are making moves to secure her talent, which would undeniably boost their visibility and fanbase. As the league builds its roster, it’s apparent that Unrivaled is eyeing top-tier talent, hoping to attract the biggest names in women’s basketball. Rumors are now swirling, and while Clark wasn’t initially considered a serious contender, recent developments suggest her inclusion is a real possibility.

For a long time, the idea of Clark joining Unrivaled seemed out of the question, with most speculating her involvement was a long shot. However, recent hints suggest a shift. It’s been rumored that certain incentives could make her signing more likely, including a deal similar to the lucrative contract given to Lionel Messi in the MLS. Offering her close friends contracts to join the league might also be part of this strategy, creating an environment that could make Clark feel right at home. Notably, Kate Martin, a close friend of Clark, hinted at joining Unrivaled earlier in the summer, fueling rumors of her potential involvement.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Lexie Hull, one of Clark’s best friends and teammate with the Indiana Fever, is now part of Unrivaled. This inclusion makes Clark’s potential signing a more realistic scenario. The league is clearly assembling a roster that resonates with the players’ relationships and camaraderie, and with Hull’s presence, Clark’s fans are holding out hope that their favorite star may soon join.

However, not everyone is betting solely on Clark. Some believe Unrivaled might bring in another star to capture fans’ attention in a different way. The league’s latest announcement teased that “CC” might soon join, sparking speculation that it could refer to Caitlin Clark. Others, however, think this could be a “troll” and that “CC” could mean someone else entirely, like Alicia Clark or another notable player. With multiple WNBA stars being speculated to join, fans are in suspense, waiting to see if it will indeed be Caitlin Clark or a surprising twist.

So, what are the odds? Some analysts say there’s roughly a 30% chance Clark could join. Another 30% suggests Unrivaled may pull a clever bait-and-switch, introducing Alicia Clark or even another fan-favorite to keep audiences guessing. Still, others speculate that Iowa favorite Megan Gustafson could join, hoping to draw in fans from Clark’s base if Caitlin herself isn’t available. Gustafson, who played last season with the London Lions, might be looking for a new opportunity stateside, making her a plausible fit for the roster and an appealing choice for Iowa fans.

If Unrivaled can’t secure Clark this season, they may be laying the groundwork to bring her into the fold in the near future by building a roster of familiar faces around her. With key players from her networks already in the league, including fellow Fever star Lexie Hull, it’s clear Unrivaled is thinking long-term. Bringing in friends and familiar faces might be part of a larger strategy to make Clark feel as though Unrivaled is the place for her.

Whether or not Caitlin Clark joins Unrivaled, the league’s savvy recruitment approach suggests they’ll continue attracting significant fan interest. By building strong team chemistry and bringing in notable names, Unrivaled is making itself a compelling platform for players and fans alike. For now, basketball enthusiasts wait with bated breath to see if Clark will indeed be announced—or if Unrivaled has another surprise in store.