Caitlin Clark Makes History with $1 Million Offer — But Chooses Loyalty to the WNBA

📢 Just Minutes Ago: Caitlin Clark Declines Historic $1 Million Offer

In what could have been a groundbreaking moment for women’s basketball, Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark reportedly turned down a $1 million offer from the newly launched Unrivaled women’s 3×3 league — a move that has sparked admiration and surprise throughout the sports world. Despite the headline-making offer, Clark’s decision to remain committed to the WNBA is being hailed as both a personal and strategic milestone in her young but already legendary career.

“Her choice sends a powerful message about her commitment to team, legacy, and long-term league growth,” said a WNBA executive following the announcement.

The offer would have made Clark one of the highest-paid female athletes in U.S. team sports history — purely on salary — highlighting both her commercial power and the slowly shifting landscape of compensation in women’s sports.

🔗 Read the NY Post report

💼 Inside the Unrivaled Offer

The Unrivaled league, founded by WNBA champions Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, offers high-profile players six-figure salaries, equity in the league, and prime-time exposure in a shorter-format 3×3 game. Clark was reportedly courted with a $1 million package for limited games over the 2025 offseason.

Format: 3×3 full-court basketball
Base salary: $250,000–$500,000 (for most players)
Clark’s reported offer: Over $1 million total, including equity, endorsements, and bonuses
Why she declined: To focus on WNBA commitments and offseason development

🔗 Read People’s coverage on the offer

🏀 Clark’s WNBA Contract: The Bigger Picture

Despite being the most hyped rookie in WNBA history, Clark’s WNBA base salary remains modest: $76,535 in her first year, part of a four-year, $338,056 rookie-scale deal. The WNBA’s CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) limits rookie salaries, making offers like Unrivaled’s particularly tempting.

However, Clark’s off-court earnings have exploded:

Nike endorsement deal: $28 million over 8 years with a signature shoe line (ESPN)
NIL partnerships: Estimated $3.5 million in college endorsements before going pro
Media appearances, merchandise sales, and social media influence continue to grow

In effect, Clark doesn’t need the million-dollar offer to thrive financially — and instead is investing her brand into becoming the face of the WNBA.

💬 Fan and Player Reactions

“Caitlin is choosing legacy over cash. That’s a rare and bold move,” wrote one Fever fan on X (formerly Twitter).
WNBA stars like A’ja Wilson and Sabrina Ionescu have praised Clark’s decision, with Ionescu tweeting, “Respect. Eyes on the long game.”

📆 What’s Next for Caitlin Clark?

Clark and the Indiana Fever kick off their 2025 season with a highly anticipated opener on May 14 against the Connecticut Sun, followed by a fierce rivalry game with Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky on May 18. The Fever’s new-look lineup, including Aliyah Boston and Lexie Hull, aims to make a playoff run after last year’s rebuilding season.

With 41 nationally televised games, the Fever are now the most visible team in WNBA history — largely thanks to Clark’s drawing power.

📚 Further Reading & Sources

Clark Declines $1 Million Offer
Inside the Unrivaled League
Clark’s Nike Deal Sets New Standard

Conclusion:

Caitlin Clark’s decision isn’t just about dollars — it’s about defining a career that’s built to last. By choosing the WNBA over a record-setting deal, she’s positioning herself as not just the league’s top rookie, but potentially the cornerstone of its future. A million dollars could have changed her year, but her loyalty might just change the game.