The Unrivaled is down to the Big 4. After having signed 26 players for its inaugural season, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are hunting for 4 remaining stars who can boost the popularity of the league. And among the top recommendations are Caitlin Clark and her best backcourt partner, Kelsey Mitchell. However, while uncertainty looms over Clark’s participation, Mitchell has already gone to a different country to ply her trade.

According to the latest video posted on X on Monday by Chinese Women’s Hoop Show, Mitchell has arrived in Shanxi to take part in the WCBA. In her welcome video, she was seen thanking the league and the franchise for choosing her, as she is “looking forward to playing with the team.” Further, she paid her gratitude for the warm welcome she had received. This news also puts doubts over Clark’s participation since the two are teammates and would definitely have talked to each other about the advantages of being a part of the Unrivaled.

While she had inked a deal with Shanxi Flame in October, what came as a surprise was that she chose to ignore the Unrivaled, whose USP is preventing the discomfort caused to WNBA stars when they move abroad during the off-season. Plus, according to reports, the minimum deal offered by the Miami-based league is around $100K. Hence, it would have presented an added advantage. Nonetheless, there are rumors that Mitchell did not join the league because Clark wasn’t going to be a part of it. However, till now the ROTY hasn’t announced her decision.

Caitlin Clark looks unsure about her participation

“Honestly, I’m just focused on this (the playoffs) right now,” Clark had stated when she was asked about participating in the Unrivaled during the WNBA. Then when the Fever were eliminated, Clark put up a post expounding, “See you all in year two.” This again made fans feel that she wasn’t interested in participating. Next, she picked her second love- golf -in the off-season and is committed to playing in the Pro-Am in November. If that wasn’t enough, there were reports that Clark was looking for a golf home. However, there’s another side to this story.

In the meantime, there are reports that Clark is being offered a Messi-like contract. Apart from the base salary, she would be involved in revenue sharing, and bonuses, and earn from the media rights of the league. Even her base salary is expected to be $1 million, around $750K above than that of her rival Angel Reese. Hence, the Unrivaled seemingly is trying their best to lure Clark, although none of it has been confirmed by the Fever rookie herself.

Therefore, while uncertainty still prevails over Clark’s participation, Mitchell has taken the next step in her career. Hopefully, she will enjoy playing for the Shanxi and enchant her fans in the next season.