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Caitlin Clark is one of the biggest names in the WNBA not playing in the first season of Unrivaled starting on Jan. 17. The 3-on-3 league co-founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier isn't lacking in star power, though, but there are big names absent from its 36-player roster.
Stewart and Collier established Unrivaled as an option for players to stay at home in the United States rather than go overseas. The league boasted a competitive salary after receiving backing from big-name investors like Warner Bros. Discovery, FSG's Linda Henry, Avenue Sports Fund, Giannis Antetokounmpo and more.
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Let's look at some of the biggest names who aren't a part of Unrivaled for its inaugural season:
Five WNBA stars who won't play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled
#1 Caitlin Clark | Guard | Indiana Fever
Without a doubt, Caitlin Clark is the biggest name not playing in Unrivaled's first season. The league wanted Clark and even offered her a big contract, but she turned it down. She's been playing non-stop from her final year at Iowa to her rookie season with the WNBA.
Clark has had other ways to earn money this offseason without playing, so she's getting a full offseason rest. She's not inactive, as the Indiana Fever have confirmed that she's already working out with coach Stephanie White.
#2 A'ja Wilson | Forward | Las Vegas Aces
The best player in the WNBA last season, A'ja Wilson is another big name not on the Unrivaled roster ahead of their inaugural campaign. She's coming off the best year of her career, winning her third league MVP.
According to Tom Friend of the Sports Business Journal, Unrivaled made an offer to Wilson just like with Caitlin Clark but probably more money. She reportedly turned it down because she doesn't want to play a full year and presumably likes 5-on-5 more.
#3 Nneka Ogwumike | Forward | Seattle Storm
One of the biggest upcoming free agents this offseason, Nneka Ogwumike won't be a part of Unrivaled. There were rumors that she might be one of the wildcards, but they turned out to be false.
Ogwumike will be an attractive option for many teams, so she might be inclined to rest her body rather than risk an injury. She's 34, so her body needs more rest heading into her 14th year in the WNBA.
#4 Jonquel Jones | Center | New York Liberty
A former WNBA MVP, Jonquel Jones is coming off her first championship win with the New York Liberty. She has been regularly playing overseas during her offseasons, and it was no different this year.
Instead of staying in the United States, Jones joined Sichuan Yuanda in the women's Chinese Basketball Association. She has played for teams like Asan Woori Bank Wibee in South Korea, Shanxi Flame in China, UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia and Cukurova Basketbol in Turkey.
#5 Kelsey Plum | Guard | Las Vegas Aces
Kelsey Plum was one of the first big names revealed for Unrivaled but decided to take a break this offseason. She pulled her name out of the roster and announced her move to focus on herself rather than play basketball. She's coming off a highly publicized divorce with NFL player Darren Waller after just one year of marriage.
The league obliged with her withdrawal and proceeded to invite other players in her stead. Plum is also an unrestricted free agent this offseason, so she will have to stay healthy to avoid any problems with negotiations.
