Founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, the new league “Unrivaled” is one intriguing venture, offering an opportunity to stay in the States during the offseason while promising lucrative “six figures within three months.” However, it seems two Indiana Fever teammates are far from signing on.

Ever since rookie forward Angel Reese highlighted the pros of joining the new 3-on-3 league set to launch in January 2025, many eyes were on Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell to join the queue. But hopes were dashed when Clark unveiled her plans to play professional golf this offseason. “So, I got that. I’ll become a professional golfer,” she said in a post-conference interview.

A few days later, she even announced her participation in The Annika Pro Am next month, leaving no doubts about her commitment. Following this, Kelsey Mitchell dropped her decision, announcing she wouldn’t be joining Stewart’s league. According to the latest updates, the 2024 All-Star is set to play for WBCA this offseason.

She has already inked a deal with Shanxi in the Chinese league. Well, she’s not the first player planning to head to China this offseason. She’ll be joined by Chicago Sky players Chennedy Carter and rookie Kamilla Cardoso, though as rivals. While it may be intriguing for those excited to see Mitchell overseas, for “Unrivaled” fans, it’s a major heartbreak.

Fans take on Mitchell’s commitment

As soon as Mitchell’s decision was announced, fans flooded the comment section with their disappointment. “No Kelsey Mitchell in Unrivaled? Who are they announcing next? Diamond Miller?” wrote one user on X. It seems fans weren’t expecting their favorite stars to go overseas.

But who’s in Unrivaled then? As of now, 24 of the 30 spots have already been filled, with big names like Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese signing on. This Wednesday, 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner became the latest to join Unrivaled. Despite six spots still remaining, Mitchell preferred to head to China.

“Fever players aren’t playing in Unrivaled because they were targeted by the league (players) and referees. The guy running the league is Collier’s husband from the Lynx, and playing overseas is a better option,” added another user. But, introducing a new league is not easy. With Collier’s husband, who has nine years of NBA and WNBA coaching experience, as President, the leadership seems interesting for the challenge. So “Such BS,” replied a user.

It isn’t just Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell missing from Unrivaled. Last season’s ROTY, Aliyah Boston, Lexie Hull, or Grace Berger have provided no updates so far. While NaLyssa Smith will be joining team team Zhejiang in WCBA while Temi Fagbenle will head to Turkey. So a surprised spectator questioned, “Why are no Fever players participating in Unrivaled??”

The Stewart-led league has been a major attraction recently, as it sets a salary floor beyond $100,000. But with CBA’s salary estimated from around $200,000 to about a million, fans speculate it to be another reason for Mitchell to drop the new league. “I’d imagine that Kelsey can make a lot more money in China than by playing in Unrivaled.”

So all are not disappointed over Mitchell’s choice of league. “Good luck Kelsey! Be safe, have fun, get those $$, be safe!!” another cheered.

While it seems the Fever players have other priorities this offseason, it doesn’t mean they won’t be open to the opportunity next time. What do you think? Comment down below!