The highly anticipated 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled, co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, is set to debut on January 17. Despite its star-studded roster and significant backing from investors such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Warner Bros. Discovery, the league is missing some of the biggest names in women’s basketball. Here’s a closer look at five major WNBA stars who won’t be playing in the inaugural season of Unrivaled.
1. Caitlin Clark | Guard | Indiana Fever
Undoubtedly, the most significant name not part of Unrivaled’s first season is Caitlin Clark. The league had extended a generous offer to the Indiana Fever guard, but Clark opted to decline. After an exhausting year between her final season at Iowa and her rookie WNBA season, Clark has chosen to take a well-deserved offseason rest. Despite not playing in Unrivaled, Clark has kept busy by working out with Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White.
2. A’ja Wilson | Forward | Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP and arguably the best player in the league, also won’t be suiting up for Unrivaled. Like Clark, Wilson was offered a lucrative contract to join the league, but she turned it down. She reportedly prefers the 5-on-5 format and isn’t interested in playing a full year. With her stellar performance in 2023, Wilson’s decision to skip Unrivaled came as a surprise, but it seems she’s focusing on the upcoming WNBA season.
3. Nneka Ogwumike | Forward | Seattle Storm
Nneka Ogwumike, one of the most well-respected players in the WNBA, is another notable absence. The 34-year-old forward, who’s one of the top free agents this offseason, had been rumored as a potential wildcard for Unrivaled, but those rumors turned out to be false. With her lengthy career and the demands of her 14th WNBA season, Ogwumike may have chosen to rest her body rather than take on the rigors of Unrivaled.
4. Jonquel Jones | Center | New York Liberty
Jonquel Jones, a former WNBA MVP and recent champion with the New York Liberty, has decided to skip the inaugural season of Unrivaled. After her championship victory, Jones is spending her offseason playing for Sichuan Yuanda in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). Known for regularly competing overseas during the off-season, Jones has played for multiple international teams, including those in South Korea, China, Russia, and Turkey.
5. Kelsey Plum | Guard | Las Vegas Aces
Kelsey Plum, initially one of the first big names announced for Unrivaled, has withdrawn from the inaugural season. The Las Vegas Aces guard decided to take a break from basketball this offseason, focusing on herself rather than playing in the league. Plum has had a challenging year, including a highly publicized divorce from NFL player Darren Waller. As an unrestricted free agent, Plum’s decision to focus on her well-being is understandable, and she’ll need to stay healthy for her upcoming negotiations.
While Unrivaled may be missing some of the WNBA’s biggest stars, the league still promises an exciting inaugural season with a competitive 36-player roster. With support from high-profile investors and its mission to offer American-based opportunities for top players, Unrivaled is sure to make a big impact on women’s basketball.
