Whitlock warns Clark against joining new Unrivaled basketball league

In October 2024, Jason Whitlock, a well-known conservative sports commentator, voiced his opinion regarding Caitlin Clark, a star player in the WNBA. While addressing her potential involvement in the Unrivaled basketball league, which aims to focus on women's 3-on-3 tournaments, Whitlock expressed his strong disapproval. He labeled the league as a 'disaster in the making' and commented that it represents a misguided approach to women's basketball. Whitlock detailed his concerns about the legitimacy and appeal of the Unrivaled league, claiming there is insufficient public interest in watching women compete in 3-on-3 formats. He further explained that the creation of this league seemed more like a ploy to suppress true competition to the WNBA rather than provide a genuine alternative. With the league set to commence play in January, Clark has yet to publicly commit, indicating her indifferent stance following her team’s season conclusion. Meanwhile, most of her Indiana Fever teammates have also opted not to participate in the nascent league. Despite the criticism, Unrivaled has managed to secure participation agreements with established athletes, including Paige Bueckers, ensuring its continuance beyond a single season. The league's arrangement with TNT Sports aims to bolster viewership interest, even as skepticism about its longevity remains prevalent among critics like Whitlock.