Caitlin Clark has made her decision—and it’s a bold one. When the NBA extended an invitation for her to participate in the three-point contest at All-Star Weekend, many assumed she’d jump at the opportunity. After all, Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu set the stage in 2024, proving that a crossover event between the NBA and WNBA could generate immense excitement.

But Clark, with unwavering confidence, said no. Her reason? Simple. She’s prioritizing the WNBA. While the announcement has left many disappointed, not everyone is upset with her decision.

On a recent episode of The Elle Duncan Show, the host shared a unique take on the matter: “I just love that she has the foresight and the ability to say, like, ‘No thanks.’ And undoubtedly, it’s going to be the most highly viewed three-point contest of all time for the WNBA when she inevitably participates in it.”

And Duncan has a point. Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark has undeniably been a boon for the WNBA. For years, the women’s league has fought for visibility, and it reached a turning point with the arrival of Fever’s No. 22 alongside her rookie class. According to Fox Sports, games featuring Clark have averaged 1.178 million viewers—nearly triple that of other WNBA games.

Considering Clark’s immense fandom, something similar is expected to happen in July at the WNBA All-Star Game. Notably, it will be her first in her own league, on her own stage. Who knows? It might just become the most-watched All-Star event in WNBA history.

But Clark’s decision is bigger than just one event—it’s about WNBA players growing their own league rather than borrowing the NBA’s spotlight. Elle Duncan drove this point home: “I hope this really is empowering for women who continue to get more cachet to understand that they can use it in their own spaces to help.”

And that’s exactly what Clark is doing. But at the same time, this presents a test for Stephen Curry. His support for women’s basketball has always been vocal, but will he continue to champion the WNBA after Clark’s declaration?

In unpacking Caitlin Clark’s bold move, Duncan challenges NBA stars

Duncan summed it up perfectly, “Now, Steph, go return the favor and go do the same thing in the WNBA. That would be awesome.”

Curry has been one vocal supporter, from advocating for equal investment to celebrating the WNBA’s expansion in the Bay Area. Back in October 2023—before Clark’s arrival—Curry brought massive attention to the women’s game.

“There’s no better time for growing women’s basketball, women’s sports in general, and investment in the game,” he shared. Then when asked if he was interested in owning a WNBA expansion team, he responded: “For sure. I’ll be keeping an eye on that and how the expansion process works.”

However, ownership isn’t as simple as it sounds. To own a WNBA expansion team, Curry would have to retire from his playing career. But before that, there’s something else he could do for the WNBA—he could step into the league’s three-point contest.

“Steph is such a huge supporter of the W… you can also show up for us in our respective spaces as well and help that too. So I’m hoping at some point they’ll want to return the favor.”

No gimmicks. No exhibition matchups. Just one of the greatest shooters of all time competing on their stage. It would bring new eyes to the WNBA and push the league forward in ways that even Clark’s presence at NBA All-Star Weekend wouldn’t have.

Caitlin Clark just set the standard. Now, it’s Steph’s turn.