Caitlin Clark teased with $20 million star Lionel Messi-esque deal to join new league
Unrivaled League is preparing a massive offer to draw WNBA star Caitlin Clark, just like what MLS did for Lionel Messi.
Follow Us
Lionel Messi and Unrivaled League target WNBA star Caitlin Clark
With the 2024 WNBA season over, many players now either go on to rest or take part in other basketball leagues. Some take the longer trip to play in other countries, while some, will stay to play in the soon-to-be-launched Unrivaled League. But one player that has notably not signed up yet is Caitlin Clark.
The WNBA Rookie of the Year has been playing non-stop basketball since last October. Evidently, it means she will likely prioritize rest and recovery before starting work for next season. But the Unrivaled League will only start in the last week of January, giving ample time for her to ease her body.
She even claimed that she was not going to play basketball. Instead, she will be focusing on playing golf, which happens to be her favorite. However, Front Office Sports ran an exclusive article where they revealed how the new league is trying to recruit her.
The start-up league’s “full-court press” to recruit Clark is similar to the push by Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF to woo Messi in 2023. The start-up league is poised to offer Clark everything from a salary possibly exceeding $1 million for less than three months of work, to equity and revenue sharing.
Sources told Front Office Sports
When courting Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF and the MLS added in ownership and other financial incentives to sweeten the deal. FOS are aware that the Unrivaled League is looking to do the same with Caitlin Clark.
The Unrivaled League will offer the first thirty players a stake in the league. But when it comes to the Indiana Fever star, they might have to up the ante, as she has surpassed Lionel Messi in marketability and popularity.
Caitlin Clark already working on improving her game
The rookie superstar did dabble in some golf after finishing her season early. But the latest clips from the Indiana Fever social media accounts suggest the 22-year-old is back in the gym. She was working on improving runners and floaters, something she incorporated during the Olympics break.
"I feel like I'm just scratching the surface."
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) October 23, 2024
Caitlin Clark is already putting in the offseason reps ? pic.twitter.com/E3Sr4ISoJa
The Des Moines, Iowa, native was actively dribbling on the baseline and finishing layups. With her actively trying to improve her bag of tricks, she is looking to build upon her incredible rookie season. In her debut season, she was shackled when trying to drive into the paint to score.
Those runners and floaters along with baseline drives can help in converting possessions. Considering her competitive nature, she would like to take her team to the next level. The Indiana Fever could be looking at contending for the WNBA title sooner than later.
Stay Updated!
Joseph Varghese
(2393 Articles Published)