In a breaking development, it has been reported that Caitlin Clark, one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball, could be offered a “Lionel Messi-like” deal to join the Unrivaled League in January 2025. This comes after her highly anticipated rookie season with the Indiana Fever in the WNBA. The Unrivaled League, a 3-on-3 basketball startup, is prepared to present Clark with a massive contract that mirrors the lucrative deal Lionel Messi received when he joined Inter Miami, which is valued at $134 million over 2.5 years.

Unrivaled’s Full-Court Press for Caitlin Clark

The Unrivaled League is set to launch in January 2025, bringing a fresh take on basketball with a 3-on-3 format and a six-week season based in Miami. The league, which recently secured a major TV deal with TNT, is banking on Caitlin Clark to draw audiences and boost its profile. The six-year broadcasting deal with TNT, reportedly worth over $100 million, will feature more than 45 primetime games, placing Unrivaled in a unique position to attract mainstream sports viewers.

While Clark’s involvement has been the subject of speculation for months, the league’s decision to wait until the WNBA season concluded before making their approach has drawn attention. Now, with her Indiana Fever season wrapped up, Unrivaled is ready to make a move—but some wonder if the timing is too late for both Clark and the fledgling league.

Napheessa Collier’s Comments: “Caitlin Clark Deserves So Much More”

Napheesa Collier, one of the founders of Unrivaled and a WNBA star herself, spoke candidly about Caitlin Clark’s monumental impact on women’s basketball. Collier pointed out that despite Clark’s record-breaking performances, her current WNBA salary is nowhere near reflective of her influence.

“It’s just so crazy because the growth that Caitlin has brought to the game is immense,” said Collier. “The amount of attention, the number of fans, and the money she’s brought in are insane. Teams are literally moving venues to accommodate her games, and she’s only getting paid $75,000. She should be one of the highest-paid players in the world.”

Collier’s words highlight a growing sentiment that Clark deserves not only a significant financial deal but also recognition as the driving force behind the surge in women’s basketball viewership.

The Messi Comparison: A Game-Changing Deal?

The comparison to Messi’s contract with Inter Miami speaks volumes about what Unrivaled is prepared to offer Clark. Messi’s deal includes financial incentives, revenue-sharing agreements, and even partial ownership of the team. If Unrivaled offers Clark a similarly structured contract, it could set a new standard in women’s sports, marking a significant shift in how athletes are compensated and valued.

Caitlin Clark’s First Year with the Indiana Fever

Fresh off her record-breaking college career, Clark joined the Indiana Fever as the top pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her impact was immediate, with standout performances that reaffirmed her position as a generational talent. In her rookie season, Clark helped revitalize the Fever franchise and drawing record-breaking crowds to WNBA arenas.

Clark’s popularity and influence have skyrocketed since her days at Iowa, where she led the Hawkeyes to the NCAA championship game and shattered multiple scoring records. Her transition to the WNBA only amplified her star power, making her one of the most marketable athletes in sports today.

The Big Decision: Will Clark Join Unrivaled?

The big question remains—will Caitlin Clark join Unrivaled for its inaugural season? Despite the tempting offer, there are risks associated with stepping into a brand-new league. Unrivaled has yet to prove itself on the court or in terms of viewership, and it’s uncertain how a 3-on-3 format will translate for a player like Clark, whose game thrives in traditional 5-on-5 play.

Moreover, Clark is already one of the highest-paid athletes in the world thanks to her lucrative endorsement deals, meaning the financial incentive may not be enough to sway her decision.

However, the opportunity to be part of something groundbreaking in women’s sports, coupled with the potential for long-term equity and influence, could be an enticing prospect for Clark.

What’s Next?

As the clock ticks down to Unrivaled’s January 2025 debut, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and whether she will accept this “Messi-like” offer. With her rookie season in the WNBA behind her, Clark must now decide whether to embrace this new challenge or continue to focus on her professional career in the WNBA.