Caitlin Clark to Unrivaled gathers pace as WNBA fans think they’ve spotted major hint

The final roster announcement for the new 36-player Unrivaled series is set to be announced, with WNBA fans now convinced Caitlin Clark has signed up

WNBA fans have been left convinced Caitlin Clark has signed up for Unrivaled following a cryptic announcement.

The new 3×3 women’s basketball league, co-founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, tips off in Miami in January and already boasts an impressive roster of players, including Clark’s Indiana Fever team-mate Lexie Hull.

She joins the likes of Collier, Stewart, Angel Reese, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, Kate Martin and Brittney Griner in signing up. Originally slated for 30 players, it has now expanded to 36 after “surpassing initial revenue goals”.

The final roster will be confirmed today (Wednesday), with speculation raging that WNBA Rookie of the Year Clark has signed a blockbusting deal worth $1million for just a few weeks’ work. Unrivaled itself poured gasoline on that speculation with an announcement about Club Selection.

The statement – a mocked excuse letter for workers to send to their bosses – read: “What might seem like an average Wednesday in November is in fact a momentous occasion for those who follow women’s professional basketball.”

It then intriguingly asks for workers to be excused between 11am and 11.22am ET. The number 22 jersey, of course, belongs to Clark.

The letter continues: “Let’s be clear: this is not just another roster announcement. This is the moment that sets the foundation for the inaugural season of the new, star-studded 3V3 league, tipping off on January 17, 2025, in Miami and airing on TNT and Max.

“If it hasn’t become abundantly clear yet, you may want to consider creating a calendar hold with a reminder for yourself.”

The announcement has left basketball fans salivating at the prospect of Clark’s involvement. Many also believe A’ja Wilson, who also wears 22, will be part of the final roster.

One fan replied: “CC must be playing. 22 minute video? She has to be playing.” Another asked: “Wait, why is this a 22-minute video???”

A third said: “22 minute video is the clue? A’ja and Caitlin?”

Caitlin Clark has been offered a huge deal to join Unrivaled (Image: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
A minority of fans raised concerns over Clark’s potential involvement though. One said: “If Caitlin joins Unrivaled, I will be hugely disappointed. If she gets injured and it interferes with the wnba 2025 season, I will definitely stop watching the wnba.”

Addressing Clark’s potential participation earlier this month, Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell said: “We’re not applying a full-court press the way people think. We are letting her decompress from basketball.

“She knows that we have a spot for her when she’s ready. We have an obligation to continuously add the best of the best wherever we can.”

If Clark has signed up, a $1m deal would far outweigh her base salary during her rookie season with Indiana, when she earned $76,535. The bulk of her income comes from endorsements with blue-chip companies like Swoosh, State Farm, Gatorade, Wilson, Bose, and Buick.