As the new year approaches, Caitlin Clark’s future in basketball has become the subject of intense speculation. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year has caught the attention of Unrivaled, a new three-on-three league founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. With a groundbreaking offer on the table, including a potential seven-figure salary and equity in the league, Unrivaled is aiming to reshape the women’s basketball landscape by offering a competitive domestic alternative to the traditional five-on-five game. Meanwhile, on the men’s side, 3×3 basketball has already gained global traction through the Olympics and professional leagues like Ice Cube’s BIG3, highlighting the unique appeal of this fast-paced format.
Unrivaled’s Ambition: Bringing the Stars Home
Set to debut in January 2025, Unrivaled has made waves in women’s sports by securing top WNBA players to participate in its innovative three-on-three league, with Clark being its most sought-after potential recruit. Though Clark has expressed the need for a break after an intense year on the court, the league’s president, Alex Bazzell, assured that a roster spot would be reserved for her. “We’re always going to have a roster spot for Caitlin Clark,” Bazzell stated, underscoring the league’s commitment to making room for one of basketball’s brightest young stars.
Unrivaled’s vision goes beyond simply providing an alternative income stream for players. By offering lucrative salaries and ownership stakes, the league hopes to set a new standard for women’s basketball, enhancing both financial opportunities and visibility for players. If Clark joins, her presence could amplify the league’s appeal, drawing her fan base into this fresh format and elevating the sport’s profile on a national scale.
The Rise of 3×3 Basketball: A Global Phenomenon
The success of men’s 3×3 basketball has set a powerful precedent. Having made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games, the fast-paced, half-court format has captivated audiences with its quick gameplay and high stakes. In 2021, Latvia clinched the first Olympic gold in men’s 3×3, and countries like Serbia have since become powerhouses in the sport. In the United States, Ice Cube’s BIG3 league further popularized 3×3 by attracting former NBA stars, solidifying the format’s appeal to a mainstream audience and proving its potential as a standalone spectacle.
Men’s 3×3 basketball also garnered considerable attention at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the U.S. men’s team, including notable players like Jimmer Fredette, faced unexpected challenges. Their performance highlighted both the competitiveness of the format and the need for specialized preparation, even for seasoned basketball players.
What Makes 3×3 Basketball Different?
Both Unrivaled and men’s 3×3 basketball leagues, such as the BIG3, capitalize on the unique dynamics of three-on-three play, offering an intense, fast-paced experience that fans find exhilarating. Played on a half-court with a 12-second shot clock, 3×3 basketball demands quick decision-making and speed. The scoring system also deviates from traditional basketball, with one point awarded for shots inside the arc and two points for shots beyond it, encouraging high-risk, high-reward plays. Games last only 10 minutes, making each second count and adding an extra layer of excitement for players and fans alike.
Caitlin Clark’s Impact: Potential Game-Changer for Unrivaled
Clark’s entry into Unrivaled could mirror the high-profile influence seen in the men’s 3×3 arena. A major factor in the sport’s rise in prominence was Ice Cube’s recruitment of former NBA stars, who brought fans and credibility to the BIG3. Similarly, Clark, with her growing influence and popularity, could serve as the face of Unrivaled, helping to elevate the league’s reputation and marketability. Her involvement could also inspire a new generation of young athletes, particularly women, to explore three-on-three basketball as a viable professional option.
For Unrivaled, Clark’s potential addition would be a game-changer, not only by drawing in more fans but also by signaling that women’s sports are ready to compete at a higher commercial level. The structure, competition, and opportunities offered by Unrivaled, combined with the rapid gameplay of 3×3, provide a thrilling alternative to traditional basketball. By joining, Clark could be stepping into a new era of professional sports, aligning herself with a movement that blends athleticism, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Looking Forward: The Future of 3×3 Basketball
Both Unrivaled and men’s 3×3 leagues have proven that the three-on-three format has the potential to thrive as a standalone sport. Unrivaled’s model could pave the way for a more sustainable and financially viable career path for female athletes, allowing them to stay home during the WNBA offseason instead of competing overseas.
In the coming years, 3×3 basketball could become even more popular, with Unrivaled’s debut potentially mirroring the BIG3’s success and the sport’s continued Olympic presence bringing it into the mainstream. For now, fans of Caitlin Clark and women’s basketball will be watching closely to see if she takes the leap into this new chapter. Either way, her decision could shape the trajectory of Unrivaled and contribute to the growing global phenomenon of 3×3 basketball.
