Caitlin Clark’s rookie WNBA season came to an end last night as the Indiana Fever lost to the Connecticut Sun in a close Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, 87-81.
Despite the loss, Clark showcased her talent with 25 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. It was a game emblematic of the significant impact she had on her team in her debut year.
The league is no doubt going to get a taste of the Caitlin Clark effect in the coming days. As noted on these pages, Clark’s first-ever playoff game drew more viewers than all three other WNBA playoff games combined on the same day.
Fans love watching her play. That excitement translates to ticket sales and home viewership. So what’s next for the basketball phenom?
ESPN is reporting that you might have to wait a while to see her back on the court.
Will Caitlin Clark Play Summer Basketball?
Caitlin Clark has had a whirlwind past year with a grinding schedule and a deep run into the NCAA tournament followed by an almost immediate plunge into the WNBA and a white-hot spotlight that accompanied her everywhere.
That said, she did get an extended break during the Summer Olympics after getting snubbed by Team USA. Fans were probably hoping to see more of the Fever star very soon.
Unfortunately, ESPN commentator Ryan Ruocco spoke to Clark and it seems she’s taking some time off. A significant amount of time off.
Like 200+ days.
“We talked to Caitlin Clark earlier today. She said she almost definitely will not play basketball this offseason,” Ruocco said as the game’s final seconds were winding down. “So it is likely we will not see her play again until April.”
Fans Will Be Left Wanting More
Suffice it to say that many fans of Caitlin Clark were hoping she’d continue to play during the WNBA offseason. Particularly in the ‘Unrivaled’ league, a brand new 3×3 league that several stars are hopping over to.
The league, co-founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, promises to pay the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history.
All of the 3×3 league’s games will be played in Miami, providing a significant edge in recruitment for those women not enamored with the idea of supplementing their offseason by playing for money overseas.
Unrivaled has financial backing from Ally Financial and some of the world’s top athletes. They state they will provide six-figure deals, with all 30 players (on six teams) receiving equity.
And they intend to put some of the best players in women’s basketball on the court. Angel Reese recently announced, joining Stewart, Collier, Chelsea Gray, Arike Ogunbowale, Jewell Loyd, Kelsey Plum, Rhyne Howard, Kahleah Copper, and Jackie Young.
The Unrivaled League is set to begin in January 2025. As of right now, it appears there will be no Caitlin Clark, a significant blow to a league trying to get attention.
It seems the Indiana Fever guard would rather work on her game in the offseason, potentially take her team further into the playoffs. And maybe climb the ladder from fourth place in the MVP voting.
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