As the WNBA season nears its conclusion, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier hinted at Caitlin Clark‘s possible participation in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.
The WNBA’s popularity swelled to unheard-of levels this year after Clark inspired millions to pack arenas and spike viewership numbers.
As Collier and the Lynx battle it out with the New York Liberty in the WNBA Finals, she appeared on Run It Back on FanDuel TV and addressed their unfinished roster. In the episode, Collier vaguely responded when asked about the pursuit of Clark.
‘I think we might have a couple more rookies in there,’ said Collier, who founded the 3-on-3 competition with Liberty star Breanna Stewart. ‘That might be a hint. The growth that Caitlin has brought to the game.’
‘The sheer amount of money that she’s making these teams. People are having to move their venues for when she comes to play, and she’s getting paid like $75,000 a year.’
Following a record-filled rookie campaign, Clark insisted that she does not intend to play any offseason hoops. However, Collier’s remarks suggest that the door is not completely shut on getting the Rookie of the Year on board.
‘Definitely, we want to be part of that change,’ Collier continued. ‘I think she should be one of the top players in the world just for the sheer numbers that she’s bringing.’
Unrivaled will take place in Miami, Florida with the inaugural season tipping off in January 2025. The league will feature 30 players from the WNBA and NCAA and have the highest average salaries in women’s sports history.
The league presents a great alternative Stateside as women’s basketball players typically play overseas during the offseason to fill financial gaps.
As of this writing, the league is waiting to fill the final four spots in their roster. Among those signed up are Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Brittney Griner, and Clark’s rookie rival Angel Reese.
UConn and NCAA star Paige Bueckers also expressed her interest in joining the league before entering the WNBA.
On Oct. 16, Unrivaled announced a multi-year media rights deal with TNT. Games will also be available on Max and truTV.
