Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark Skips Unrivaled Again, WNBA Star Prioritizes Rest After Injuries and Turbulent League Controversy

Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

After a grueling, injury-filled second WNBA season, Caitlin Clark is again choosing recovery over competition. The Indiana Fever guard will not take part in Unrivaled’s second season.

The three-on-three league revealed nearly all of its season two participants Wednesday, but Caitlin Clark’s name was missing. With her stature, many expected her inclusion to be held back for the final day of announcements. That did not happen.

Unrivaled, later confirmed two players remain in negotiations, sparking speculation that Caitlin Clark could still be one of them. Yet as of Thursday, those names remain unannounced. The league did confirm, however, that it will host its first road games in Philadelphia.

Caitlin Clark spoke on Napheesa Collier's comments about WNBA leadership. pic.twitter.com/RNymEecJ1V
— espnW (@espnW) October 2, 2025

Clark’s decision tracks with her past choices. She turned down a lucrative seven-figure deal with equity when first approached by the league last year. Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell even said in September that while the league wanted Caitlin Clark, they would not “pressure” her into playing.

Caitlin Clark To Focus on Recovery

The reasoning appears straightforward. Caitlin Clark managed only 13 games during her second WNBA season due to recurring injuries. Like her rookie year, she is choosing rest. After going from Iowa directly into the WNBA, Clark explained why she skipped events like the 3-point contest: “I just think rest. I’ve been playing basketball for a year straight.”

That first campaign still saw Caitlin Clark thrive statistically. She averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists, earning Rookie of the Year and a spot on the All-WNBA first team. But the heavy load clearly wore her down, leading her to avoid offseason commitments once more.

Unrivaled will begin season two on January 5, with big names such as Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink, and Napheesa Collier in the mix. Clark’s absence will be felt, though her focus on health makes sense after two demanding years.