As Iowa’s basketball sensation Caitlin Clark continues to dominate on the college courts, speculation is intensifying about her future in the sport—particularly her potential move to the newly formed Unrivaled 3×3 women’s basketball league. With a major sponsorship deal from State Farm, Unrivaled is quickly becoming a hot topic in women’s hoops, offering players a fresh alternative to traditional leagues like the WNBA.
Unrivaled, a 3×3 basketball league created by former WNBA players, promises a high-energy, fast-paced format designed to showcase elite talent in an innovative, smaller-team setting. The league is rapidly gaining attention, with the backing of corporate sponsors like State Farm, which has cemented its role as a major player in the league’s growth. This sponsorship, along with the league’s unique approach, is drawing attention from some of the most prominent players in women’s basketball.
Clark, who has led Iowa to national prominence and is considered the favorite for the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft, has remained tight-lipped about her future beyond college. However, her name has increasingly been linked to Unrivaled, raising questions about whether the rising star could skip the WNBA in favor of the emerging league. The potential for greater financial rewards and exposure in Unrivaled could be a tempting offer for players like Clark, who are seeking more than what the WNBA currently provides in terms of salaries and marketing opportunities.
Unrivaled’s appeal is not limited to Clark. Several other top women’s basketball players, including Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, have also been rumored to be considering the league, which offers more lucrative sponsorship deals and a faster-paced, dynamic game format. With the league’s ability to offer visibility and significant earning potential, many feel it could provide an exciting alternative to the WNBA, which has long been criticized for its salary disparities and limited opportunities for personal branding.
While the WNBA remains the gold standard for professional women’s basketball, the rise of Unrivaled is signaling a shift in the landscape of the sport. If high-profile athletes like Clark choose to join, it could disrupt traditional career paths and force a reevaluation of how women’s basketball is marketed and compensated.
For now, Clark is focused on finishing her college career, with Iowa making another run in the NCAA Tournament. But as the market for women’s basketball players continues to evolve, Clark’s decision on her next move could have a profound impact on the future of the game.
