The thought of Caitlin Clark leaving the WNBA or even leading a rival league or playing overseas has sparked quite the conversation in the sports world.
Clark’s name has been synonymous with the growth and rising popularity of women’s basketball, and she has been one of the most important figures for the WNBA since her highly anticipated debut. But could the rookie really be on her way out of the league, or is this just speculation?
Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA has been undeniable, with her presence contributing to record-breaking viewership numbers across multiple networks. Thanks to her incredible performances, six major networks reported all-time highs for WNBA ratings during the 2024 season. Here’s a breakdown:
- ESPN: Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky – 2.3 million viewers
- CBS: Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever – 2.25 million viewers
- ABC: Seattle Storm vs. Indiana Fever – 2.2 million viewers
- ESPN2: Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun – 2.1 million viewers
- Ion: Indiana Fever vs. Chicago Sky – 1.6 million viewers
- NBA TV: Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever – 678,000 viewers
Clark has not only drawn fans to the sport, but her performances on the court have also helped elevate the profile of the WNBA itself. She’s a superstar who has captivated millions and brought attention to women’s basketball like few others before her.
However, there’s also been growing concern about how Clark has been treated in the league. According to reports, 17% of all flagrant fouls in the WNBA this season were committed against Caitlin Clark, raising questions about her safety and the physical toll she’s endured. A notable moment came when DiJonai Carrington accidentally fouled Clark, leaving her with a black eye. This kind of physicality might be one of the reasons fueling rumors that Clark could be considering leaving the WNBA.
These rumors have gained momentum on social media, with several posts and YouTube videos speculating about Clark’s future. One video from “Hoop Sports Updates” even claimed, “WNBA Throws a Fit After Caitlin Clark SHOCKINGLY Leaves the League!” While these posts have generated considerable buzz, there is no concrete evidence to support such claims.
At this point, any speculation about Clark leaving the WNBA is just that—speculation. There have been no official announcements or credible reports from WNBA insiders suggesting she’s planning to exit the league. In fact, Clark’s Instagram bio still proudly mentions her role with the Indiana Fever, and her most recent post suggests she’s fully committed to the team.
In her post, Clark wrote, “Year one — thank you to the many people who have supported me as I’ve been able to live my childhood dream. I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on this past year of my life. See you all in year two.” Her words paint a clear picture: she’s ready to return for another season and isn’t going anywhere.
In an interview earlier this week, Clark also acknowledged the challenges of being in the spotlight but expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have come her way. “I feel very thankful. I wouldn’t change anything for the world. I feel very thankful for the relationships I’ve built, the opportunities that I’ve had, the way people have supported me, whether it was at Iowa or whether it’s now in the WNBA,” she said.
While the WNBA may have issues to address, such as player safety and league compensation, Caitlin Clark remains a key figure and seems more than ready to continue her WNBA journey.
Could Caitlin Clark Lead a Rival League?
The idea of Caitlin Clark leading a rival league to the WNBA has also surfaced, largely due to a proposal from sports columnist Jason Whitlock. Whitlock suggested that Clark could play a central role in creating a league that rivals the WNBA, addressing one of the league’s biggest issues—player salaries.
WNBA salaries pale in comparison to those in the NBA, and as a result, many female basketball players supplement their income by playing in European leagues during the offseason. Whitlock pointed out that “half the WNBA right now is overseas, playing in some foreign league because they don’t make enough money during the WNBA season.”
He further criticized WNBA management and proposed the idea of starting a new league that would offer better financial opportunities for players. “They’re already playing in rival leagues, why not start a rival league? You can have a rival league that operates during the summer or you can have a rival league that starts now. Right here in America,” Whitlock suggested.
Whitlock’s suggestion isn’t entirely far-fetched, considering many WNBA stars regularly go overseas for more lucrative contracts. Rookies like Nika Muhl and Kamilla Cardoso have already started their international careers, with Muhl playing in Turkey and Cardoso heading to China. Cardoso’s Chicago teammate, Chennedy Carter, is also set to play for the Wuhan franchise in China.
This trend points to a common issue within the WNBA: salaries that don’t fully support players year-round. However, while the idea of Clark leading a new league may appeal to some, there’s no indication that she’s interested in making such a move—at least not yet. For now, her focus seems to be on basketball, with no plans to step away from the Indiana Fever.
Caitlin Clark and Golf?
While discussions about Clark’s future in basketball continue, it’s worth noting that she’s been enjoying her offseason by branching out and trying new things—like golf. It’s all in good fun, of course, but fans have been jokingly concerned that she might be too good at golf and switch sports. While that’s highly unlikely, it’s a testament to her competitive nature and willingness to explore new hobbies.
At the end of the day, Caitlin Clark’s passion for basketball has been a driving force throughout her life, and it’s hard to imagine her walking away from the sport that’s brought her so much success. As the WNBA gears up for its next season, fans can rest assured that Clark will be back in action, ready to lead the Indiana Fever and continue her impact on the league.
Though rumors and speculation about her leaving the WNBA persist, there is no credible evidence to suggest that Caitlin Clark is planning to exit the league anytime soon. For now, she remains a cornerstone of women’s basketball and a driving force behind the growing popularity of the WNBA. Fans can look forward to seeing more of her on the court next season, where she’s sure to continue making headlines and breaking records.
