Is Caitlin Clark about to change the game of women’s basketball forever? After an electrifying rookie season that made her the WNBA’s biggest star, Clark is now facing an offer that could shift the entire sports industry. A new league called Unrivaled has emerged, promising record-breaking salaries and the chance to reshape the future of the sport. With the WNBA struggling financially and staring down a potential lockout, Unrivaled’s offer could not come at a more crucial moment.

If Clark accepts this “Messi-style” deal, it could open a new chapter in women’s basketball, sparking a potential exodus of top players and leaving the WNBA in a precarious position. As fans follow every twist and turn, this story goes beyond one player—it’s about the future of basketball, empowerment, and the evolution of women’s sports.

Will Caitlin Clark stay with the WNBA, or will she help launch a revolutionary new league? Watch to find out what’s next for women’s basketball, and don’t miss out on the biggest sports story of the year!

Caitlin Clark view on WNBA clear with rival league launched and lockout threat

The WNBA players union has officially opted out of its current collective bargaining agreement, leading to the possibility of a lockout in the league after next season.

Caitlin Clark has become one of the most prominent names in the WNBA despite just concluding his rookie season

Caitlin Clark has become one of the most prominent names in the WNBA despite just concluding his rookie season (Image: Getty Images)

Indiana Fever’s star player, Caitlin Clark, has voiced her enthusiasm for the growth and “opportunities” in the WNBA, despite looming lockout rumors.

The New York Liberty clinched an exhilarating overtime victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night.

The thrilling series highlighted the league’s dynamic nature following its most-viewed season, with players eager to capitalize on this momentum.

On Monday, the WNBA players union officially opted out of its current collective bargaining agreement. This decision came shortly after Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese voiced concerns that her player salary was insufficient to cover her expenses and with many big-names signing up to play in the new ‘Unrivaled League’ during the summer months.

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has voted to withdraw from the active CBA. Players are advocating for “a business model that reflects their ‘true’ value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investments needed for long-term growth”.

Caitlin Clark has become one of the most prominent names in the WNBA despite just concluding his rookie season

Clark has made her feelings clear on the ongoing growth of the game (Image: Getty Images)

The deadline to opt out of the current deal was Nov. 1, and the union chose to withdraw in hopes of negotiating a new agreement within the next year.

However, if both parties fail to reach an agreement before the active CBA expires on Oct. 31, 2025, the WNBA may face a lockout after the upcoming season.

Such a lockout could severely hinder the WNBA’s progress. Following the conclusion of the 2024 WNBA Finals, Clark emphasized the importance of continuing to attract fans to live games.

Angel Reese recently called out the low WNBA pay

Angel Reese recently called out the low WNBA pay (Image: Getty Images)

As momentum gathers around women’s basketball, Clark expressed enthusiasm about its growth: “The amount of people that have showed up in the stadiums, from the viewership numbers to people really wanting to wear a WNBA player’s jersey or buy their merch, whatever it is, or have their shoe – just how its evolved in such a short period of time,” she said.

“It shows everyone there is real opportunities here and there has been opportunity here, so I think that’s what is so exciting.

“The more we can continue to expand that and continue to have games on national television and get people in seats because when they show up at a stadium, they’re always coming back – that’s usually how it works. They fall in love with a team or player, or maybe they go for one player then like another.”

Clark further highlighted the importance of visibility: “The more people can get out and watch the W or the college game or whatever it is, the better it’s going to be for the future of the game.”

Amidst this growing excitement, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association is looking to rework their deal owing to a spike in ratings, spectatorship, and overall interest. This year, riding the wave of increasing popularity brought by figures like Clark and Reese, the WNBA secured an extensive 11-year media rights agreement with Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBC valued at $200 million a year.