It’s hard to find many who can deny the incredible impact Caitlin Clark’s had on the WNBA’s popularity. From doubling viewership to skyrocketing merchandise sales, the Indiana Fever star has undeniably elevated the league to new heights. But with her record-breaking rookie season behind her, there have been rumors: Is she considering leaving the WNBA? Such a move would be devastating, not just for her fans but for the league as a whole. However, there’s no need to panic just yet.

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever faced an early exit from the playoffs, with their first-round elimination stirring up quite a bit of buzz—especially after DiJonai Carrington’s unintentional foul left Clark with a noticeable black eye. But since then, Clark has been making the most of her time away from the court. She’s been seen cheering on her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, as he steps into his new role as an assistant coach. Clark’s also been enjoying some downtime with her Fever teammates, hitting the golf course and taking in her off-season.

Amid all the offseason buzz, a few videos have surfaced suggesting that Fever’s #22 has reportedly signed a lucrative contract overseas, with rumors swirling that she may not return to the WNBA. Allegedly, the reasoning behind her potential departure centers around dissatisfaction with how she was treated in the league, particularly the relentless physicality she endured. However, at this stage, any claims of her leaving the WNBA seem more like speculation than fact, with no official word to confirm these rumors just yet.

When asked about the possibility of playing overseas, Caitlin Clark previously stated, “I wouldn’t change anything for the world.” Her words imply that moving abroad isn’t a decision she would make lightly, especially without any solid news circulating. However, Clark have got some suggestions on improving the landscape for players by starting a rival league to the WNBA.

If not moving to Europe, can Caitlin Clark lead a rivaled league to WNBA in America?

Recently, renowned sports columnist Jason Whitlock stirred up quite a conversation by suggesting that rookie sensation Caitlin Clark take the lead in creating a league to rival the WNBA. His proposal highlights a pressing issue: WNBA salaries pale in comparison to the multi-million dollar contracts enjoyed by NBA stars. As a result, many female players find themselves seeking opportunities in other leagues, often in Europe, to supplement their income.

He mentioned, “Half the WNBA right now is overseas, playing in some foreign league because they don’t make enough money during the WNBA season.” Whitlock criticized WNBA management and argued for the creation of a new league to give players better financial opportunities. He suggested, “They’re already playing in rival leagues, why not start a rival league? You can have a rival league that operates during the summer or you can have a rival league that starts now. Right here in America,” he stated.

It’s no surprise that many players seek opportunities outside the U.S. to further their careers. This season, rookies Nika Muhl and Kamilla Cardoso are making waves overseas, with Muhl taking her talents to the Turkish league and Cardoso heading to China. Cardoso isn’t flying solo, either; she’ll be joined by her Chicago teammate Chennedy Carter, who will suit up for the Wuhan franchise in the Chinese league.

All of this points to a common trend: players often head overseas in search of better pay. However, that hasn’t been Clark’s path—at least not yet. While it’s unclear if Jason Whitlock’s suggestions will resonate with her and inspire her to lead a new rival league to the WNBA, one thing is clear: Clark is branching out and trying her hand at golf. For fans, the only witty concern should be what if this basketball prodigy starts to work her magic on the golf course and decides to pursue a new career there?

While the idea of Clark switching sports is interesting, the likelihood of that happening is again almost null. Her passion for basketball has been a constant since childhood, and she’s more than prepared to take the reins for the Indiana Fever in the upcoming season. Right now, she’s just relishing her downtime, spending time with her Fever teammates, and it’s enough to reassure fans that she isn’t going anywhere.