“Honestly, I’m just focused on this (the playoffs) right now,” Caitlin Clark had revealed during an interview in August when asked about the possibility of joining the coveted women’s basketball league Unrivaled. Thus, while the WNBA ROTY denied having any future plans with the league, Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier’s brainchild continued to recruit other stars including Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. Hence the question arises, ‘If winter comes, can spring be far behind?’ though without alluding to the negative connotation of the adage.

As per the latest reports by the senior reporter of Front Office Sports, Michael McCarthy, on Thursday, the Unrivaled will look to get Clark to play in their league and the talks for the same will commence in the coming weeks. However, the Fever star had already declared that she has no interest in the 3×3 basketball format and she will prefer 5×5 over the former.

Hence, the league was hesitant to approach Clark, and some say it was a long game plan. The major USP of the league, for players, is that it is based out of Miami, and gives them a stake in the league. This means athletes do not have to leave the USA in the off-season to earn. However, that isn’t the case with Clark, who had, during her exit interview, made her plan clear. Thus, Stewart and Collier must know that Clark is in no need to participate in the newly formed league.

Recently, the 3×3 league has secured a multi-year deal with TNT, who will also be investing in the league. According to the plans, more than 45 regular-season games will air three nights a week on the platform. Plus two weekly games will be shown on TNT on Mondays and Fridays. Additionally, matchups will also be streamed on Max. Hence, the time is fitting to call upon one of the most popular players of the league- Caitlin Clark.

But the Des Moines native has already refused to comment if she would be a part of the league. “Honestly, I’m just focused on this right now. One thing at a time. Can’t always just be moving on to the next, my focus is right here.” However, what comes in Stewart and Collier’s favor is that the W season has ended for the point guard. Plus the league will commence in January, a time when, most probably, the ‘generational talent’ would be over her golfing adventures. All this points to the fact that Clark might just agree to participate in the league.

Another advantage if the first-overall pick joins the league, according to David Levy (the co-CEO of Horizon Sports & Experiences), is “If we’re lucky enough to get Caitlin Clark, are we going to travel to Iowa?” This would be extremely favorable to the league as they might be able to cater to specific fanbases, once the league rakes in substantial revenue. And what better way than to recruit Clark for this?

Caitlin Clark woos fans to Indiana

Since the 2x NPOY’s arrival on the big stage, the Des Moines-born has impressed all and increased the number of spectators at Gainbridge. The arena has recorded complete sellouts in multiple games throughout the season, breaking attendance records. While last season, the franchise was placed at the second last spot in attendance, this year they have comfortably defeated the New York Liberty to lead the numbers.

The Fever, notably this year, had about 17,036 fans on average while the second most team- the Liberty had 12,730. This also helped other franchises make money.

Clark got 20,711 fans in mid-September to Capital One Arena, which set the single-game record in the W. For the record, the Fever’s first round of playoffs had 2.17 million viewers, which easily surpassed last year’s Championship Finale series which had 728,000 viewers during the four matchups between the Liberty and the Aces. To top that, the Fever played in all the 15 most-watched W games this season. Therefore, Clark can turn the fortunes of Unrivaled if she plans to join it.

Hopefully, the talks with Clark will start soon. And in their unique tone, we will soon find a post on the social media handles, declaring ‘Caitlin Clark is Unrivaled.’