Unrivaled Basketball League w ANGEL REESE gets REJECTED by Caitlin Clark Fans after TNT TV Deal! | HO

Unrivaled Basketball League w ANGEL REESE gets REJECTED by Caitlin Clark Fans after TNT Deal! WNBA | As of now no Indiana Fever players on teams for the 3×3 business venture.

The Unrivaled Basketball League, a new venture aiming to capitalize on the growing interest in women’s basketball, has recently made headlines after securing a multi-year media rights deal with TNT. With plans to broadcast over 45 prime-time games weekly across TNT, True TV, and Max, starting in January 2025, the league seeks to position itself as a major player in the sports entertainment industry. However, despite the excitement surrounding this partnership, it’s already facing strong resistance from certain basketball fans, particularly supporters of Caitlin Clark, one of the biggest names in the sport.

TNT’s decision to invest and take part ownership of the Unrivaled Basketball League signals a significant leap of faith in women’s sports. The deal includes prime-time slots on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, potentially putting it in direct competition with major shows like WWE’s Monday Night Raw and Friday Night Smackdown. While a focus on women’s sports seems commendable, the format of the league itself has raised more questions than excitement.

The Unrivaled League is a 3-on-3 basketball competition, a structure that immediately sets it apart from the 5-on-5 standard played in most professional leagues, including the WNBA. The Big3, another 3-on-3 league, has had some success, but fans are already questioning whether this format will translate well to women’s basketball on such a large stage. The response, particularly from Caitlin Clark’s fanbase, has been lukewarm at best.

Caitlin Clark, widely regarded as one of the brightest talents in women’s basketball, has not committed to playing in the Unrivaled League, and this absence appears to be a massive blow to its potential viewership. Clark’s meteoric rise, fueled by her explosive performances in the NCAA and growing presence in the WNBA, has created a dedicated fanbase. Many of these fans have expressed outright disinterest in watching the Unrivaled League without her participation.

Social media has been buzzing with discontent from Clark’s fans, with many declaring they will not tune in unless she plays. One fan commented, “If Caitlin Clark isn’t in Unrivaled, I’m not watching.” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “The fact that no Indiana Fever player is involved tells me enough. I’ll stick with NCAA women’s basketball and the NBA.” The absence of Caitlin Clark seems to be a deal-breaker for a significant portion of fans, who view her as the star attraction of women’s basketball.

While Caitlin Clark’s absence looms large, the Unrivaled League does boast some prominent names. Angel Reese, the star of LSU and a significant figure in the sport, is among those set to compete. Alongside her, players like Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and DiJonai Carrington are expected to bring their talents to the 3-on-3 league.

However, the inclusion of Angel Reese hasn’t been enough to win over all fans. Some are skeptical that even star power can make up for what they perceive as an inferior format. Comments from fans suggest that Reese’s involvement, while notable, isn’t enough to guarantee success for the league. One person noted, “It’s going to be very interesting to see how many people tune in just for Angel Reese. Without Caitlin, I think this is dead on arrival.”

Beyond the fan pushback, there are deeper concerns about the viability of the Unrivaled League. Unlike the WNBA, which has had years to build a foundation, this new league will be starting from scratch, and its unorthodox 3-on-3 format is viewed by many as a risk. For some, this approach seems to detract from the core appeal of basketball. One fan even quipped, “If I wanted to watch 3-on-3, I’d just go to the park.”

The potential ratings for the league are another point of contention. The WNBA has seen increasing viewership, but it still has a long way to go compared to men’s sports. Many are wondering how a league with a different format, and without marquee players like Caitlin Clark, will fare. The fact that no monetary figures have been released regarding the media deal only adds to the skepticism. In contrast, the WNBA’s current media rights deal is worth $60 million annually, which will increase significantly once the NBA’s new deal takes effect. Some estimate that the Unrivaled League’s deal is likely much smaller, with figures speculated to be as low as $10 million annually.

The announcement of the Unrivaled League has prompted broader conversations about the state of women’s basketball and its future. While expanding opportunities for professional female athletes is generally seen as a positive, many believe that resources and attention would be better spent growing the WNBA. One fan commented, “The long-term growth of women’s basketball would have been better served with a longer WNBA season, rather than adding another pro league.”

The WNBA recently expanded its season from 40 to 44 games, but many feel it should go even further, suggesting a season of 50 or more games to mirror the NBA’s structure more closely. The creation of a new league, particularly one with a niche format like 3-on-3, feels unnecessary to some, especially when the WNBA is still in a crucial growth phase.

The Unrivaled Basketball League is launching at a time when women’s basketball is on the rise, yet it already faces considerable hurdles. The lack of involvement from Caitlin Clark, one of the sport’s biggest stars, and the questionable appeal of the 3-on-3 format, have led many fans to question the league’s potential for success. TNT’s investment in the league is bold, but fan reception so far indicates that it may struggle to find a significant audience, at least initially. The coming months will be crucial as the league prepares for its January 2025 debut. Whether it can overcome the initial skepticism and build a loyal viewership remains to be seen.