With the WNBA and its players still unable to work toward a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, the possibility of a league-wide lockout has become a real concern. If that were to happen, many fans are wondering whether they would get to see Caitlin Clark on the court at all in 2026.
Even if the WNBA season were disrupted, Clark would play basketball this year, as long as she remains healthy.
She was recently named to the 12-player roster set to represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico. Clark is set to compete alongside Indiana Fever teammate Aliyah Boston and mark her senior national team debut alongside fellow first-time selections Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Angel Reese.
Clark and Team USA are scheduled to play five games during the tournament, beginning with Senegal on Mar. 11, followed by Puerto Rico on Mar. 12, Italy on Mar. 14, New Zealand on Mar. 15, and Spain on Mar. 17.
The ongoing 3-on-3 league, “Unrivaled,” is already an avenue that is shut for her.
However, there are other paths she could explore. One possibility would be playing overseas in Europe. She hasn’t made any commitments to any team, but if she ever decided to go that route, plenty of clubs would line up for the chance to sign her.
Caitlin Clark will continue to make NBA appearances as an analyst
On Feb. 1, WNBA fans got a fun crossover moment when Caitlin Clark stepped into the NBA spotlight. She joined NBC’s pregame coverage at Madison Square Garden ahead of the LA Lakers and New York Knicks matchup, appearing as a special guest during the pregame broadcast.
Clark’s star power was undeniable. Her appearance helped draw a massive audience, giving NBC a noticeable boost in ratings.
“The network aired the first two games of its Sunday Night Basketball franchise last weekend, and the doubleheader delivered record-setting viewership,” a report read. “Sunday night’s first game between the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks from Madison Square Garden averaged 4.5 million viewers across NBC and Telemundo, making it the most-watched Sunday night regular-season game since 2002, excluding Christmas Day.”
The historic numbers led NBC Sports president Rick Cordella to say he wants Clark back in the studio. Fans will not have to wait long, as she is already set to return on Mar. 29 when the OKC Thunder host the New York Knicks.
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