Caitlin Clark’s absence from the WNBA this season has raised eyebrows. While many players head overseas to Europe, Turkey, and Russia, Clark has been sidelined not by choice but due to restrictions from the WNBA. This ban prevents her from showcasing her talent abroad, while other players like Kelsey Mitchell and Nelissa Smith head to China and Tammy Bentley plays in Turkey.
For a player who’s been pivotal in the league’s growth, this restriction feels deeply unfair. Beyond the WNBA’s limitations, the Unrivaled League, a promising three-on-three league running during the offseason, has also kept Clark out. Rumors suggest her massive fan base might overshadow other players, causing tension among athletes. In fact, Unrivaled’s social media even liked a comment shading Clark, saying, “Please know CC, we’ve had enough of her fan base.”
It’s rare to see a star player alienated so publicly, raising questions about how her presence is perceived. Unrivaled, founded by WNBA stars Brianna Stewart and Nafiza Cer, initially looked like an exciting opportunity for players to earn six-figure salaries in the offseason. However, Clark’s exclusion stands out, especially considering her impact on ratings and viewership.
Her last WNBA playoff game drew 2.6 million viewers, and ratings have since dipped without her. The Ice Cub’s Big3 League even offered her $5 million to play, showing how valuable she is as an athlete and a draw. Yet fears that she might overshadow others seem to be driving her exclusion.
As many WNBA stars sign overseas contracts, Clark’s sidelining feels like a punishment for her success. Instead of backing down, she’s pivoting to another sport: golf. Clark recently announced she’ll be participating in an LPGA pro-am event, and her fans are rallying around her. The buzz around her golf debut is immense, with people requesting live streams of her performance.
This move is a bold statement from Clark, who refuses to let leagues limit her potential, whether in basketball or golf. Her fans follow her, and her influence only grows. Her ability to captivate audiences has already boosted WNBA viewership by hundreds of percentage points, so why wouldn’t the league embrace her?
Ultimately, Caitlin Clark’s journey is about more than just sports; it’s about fairness and opportunity. As she transitions to golf, her story is far from over. Her resilience and impact on women’s sports continue to inspire, and her supporters will be there every step of the way. Stay tuned as Clark’s influence shapes the future of women’s athletics.
