In a year where the league is trying to land a lucrative new media rights deal, the buzz around the WNBA has subsided considerably with Caitlin Clark on the sidelines.
Clark has battled multiple injuries in her second season and has suffered a setback during her recent spell on the sideline with a strained groin.
Without their superstar, the Indiana Fever have mostly treaded water, but have done enough to still be in a firm position to make the postseason.
Even with the kickoff of football and the tail end of the MLB year muddying the sports calendar, Clark returning and competing for a championship would be must-watch television.
But with health status aside, could Clark have had a more prosperous 2025 if she decided to jump ship from the W and cash in on her star power?
While a guest on the "TFU" podcast, the voice of the Big 3, Tattoo the One, alleged the league offered Clark a monstrous sum to join the fray.
"We offered Clark $15M," Tattoo said. "It started at 5, but the official final offer was $15M for ten weeks. She must be making such good dough. I'm sure many offers came after—I'm sure we helped her make more money. All you need is a name like Ice Cube publicly offering that kind of money for the rest to come together."
Regardless of Clark's current commitment to women's hoops and limitless popularity, it can't be easy turning down that kind of cash with a lighter schedule.
Popular media personality Bill Simmons mentioned months ago that some wealthy investors could be circling Clark to launch a new traveling global league, which highlights the 23-year-old's perceived value at this time.
Unless the WNBA can't become profitable or something drastically changes in the next few years, Clark seems poised to continue to be a trailblazer and an American icon.