The new Unrivaled women’s basketball league is reportedly pulling out all the stops to secure Caitlin Clark for its inaugural season. According to Front Office Sports, the league is crafting a “Lionel Messi-like” package to lure the superstar guard.
The recruitment strategy mirrors Major League Soccer’s bold approach in 2023, when Inter Miami CF landed Messi. Knowing a standard contract wouldn’t be enough, Inter Miami built an unprecedented offer, including a $150 million deal, partial team ownership, and revenue-sharing opportunities—Apple even agreed to split profits from MLS Season Pass with the soccer icon.
Clark’s star power is undeniable. Recently ranked as the fourth-most-marketable athlete globally by SportsPro, she sits ahead of Messi, who placed fifth. With her popularity and influence, Unrivaled aims to offer Clark a transformative deal—rumored to include a salary exceeding $1 million for a season lasting under three months, plus equity and revenue-sharing opportunities.
Unrivaled hopes a “Caitlin Clark Effect” can spark the same impact Messi had on MLS—boosting ticket sales, driving viewership on TV partner TNT Sports, and attracting top-tier sponsors.
While Clark could easily spend the offseason training, golfing, and landing lucrative endorsements, Unrivaled is banking on the appeal of a hefty payday, ownership opportunities (all players will receive equity), and the challenge of competing against elite talent to entice the 22-year-old sensation.
This full-court press could set the stage for Clark to not only join the league but become the face of a new era in women’s basketball.
