Two most talked about rookies, fresh out of exceptional college careers, stormed the WNBA. In a back-and-forth game they remained throughout the season as one dominated scoring and other, the rebound. One, a triple-double record, and the other, a historic double-double streak. But Caitlin Clark pushed her way a step ahead to wrap the campaign, claiming the Rookie of the Year title while Angel Reese had to oblige to a premature end due to a wrist injury. Now it seems like the latter was overtaken more than once and away from the court at that. 

Just days after reports surfaced stating the Unrivalled was attempting to lure in the Indiana Fever’s No. 1 Draft pick, new developments reveal that the league is now offering her a deal that could go over $1 million. She is being courted with a “Messi-like” offer, which is a massive deal more than her WNBA salary, $76,535, reports Front Office Sports.

The league, founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, promises its 30 players the “highest salaries in professional women’s sports league history.” And they are all in to bet on the “Caitlin Clark Effect.” They know that Clark has star power and could bring a lot of attention.

“So, we’ve haven’t had that firm dialogue or firm offer just yet. But we are going to make that offer. It’s going to be a historic offer, but we’re giving her time to mentally escape basketball before we sit down and have that conversation,” the league’s president, Alex Bazzell, said. Co-founder and his wife, Napheesa had also expressed that they wouldn’t want to miss having Clark on board. “definitely we want to be a part of that change,” she had admitted on FanDuel TV. 

Meanwhile, CC has made it clear, she just wants to rest this off-season and play golf. “Honestly, I’m just focused on this right now (LPGA). One thing at a time. Can’t always just be moving on to the next, my focus is right here.”

At the same time, Angel Reese has been very vocal about how her WNBA salary, $73,43, doesn’t even cover her rent. “I’m living beyond my means. Hating pays the bills, baby. I just hope you know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she told  Vibe Magazine. Having an influencer Instagram account, brand endorsement, and her own podcast, seems to be doing the trick for Reese. 

Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese: Rivals to teammates?

If we take a step back to their college days, Reese and Clark were neck-and-neck. Their 2023 NCAA Championship game kept nearly 10 million viewers hooked. Although the LSU star had her moment then, Iowa former is shining in WNBA. She averaged 19.2 points per game, and led the league in assists with 8.4 in her first season. A few records more and she helped her team from 0-5 at the season’s beginning to the first playoffs in 8 years. 

Reese did not fail to show up either with her rebounds and double-doubles. But an injury-plagued team, struggles with shooting, and a season-ending wrist injury, might not have just delivered the Chi-Town Barbie the season she had hoped for.

However, despite all the rivalry the year may have birthed between the two, Reese isn’t holding a grudge. In fact, she’d love to play alongside Clark someday. “We’ve been playing against each other since we were kids,” Reese said. “We’re both great competitors, and we’ve brought a lot of fans to this league. I hope one day we can be teammates.” 

And truly, both rookie sensations have brought so many new fans. For now, though, Caitlin Clark is soaring with a million-dollar deal in hand. Could Reese’ hope of being on the same team be answered sooner than expected?