WNBA legend Lauren Jackson, renowned as one of Australia’s greatest basketball players, is determined to attract more elite players like Caitlin Clark to the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). As a special advisor to the WNBL, Jackson is focused on elevating the league’s talent level by bringing in high-profile athletes, believing it will transform the competition and fan engagement.
Before retiring, Jackson secured seven WNBL championships and claimed four league MVP awards. Now, she is using her experience and influence to help the league grow. Jackson told ESPN that convincing more WNBA stars to join the WNBL during their offseason could significantly advance the league’s standing and appeal.
She acknowledges that luring top talent will require a major financial commitment, especially as many players currently earn more by playing in international leagues in China or Europe. Nevertheless, Jackson emphasizes that investing in players of Caitlin Clark’s caliber is a necessary and valuable ambition for the WNBL.
“I think, having that vision and that in the back of our minds, absolutely, yes: we could have a Caitlin Clark come and play here,” Jackson told ESPN on Tuesday [12:10]. “Obviously, it would cost a lot of money, but I think that should be the ambition, that should be the goal.”
—Lauren Jackson, WNBA Legend and WNBL Advisor
Jackson also envisions stars like Clark, Breanna Stewart, or A’ja Wilson competing in Australia, which she believes would revolutionize the league, increase attendance, and create meaningful economic benefits.
Challenges Presented by the Unrivaled League for Recruiting Top Players
A new obstacle to Jackson’s plans emerged with the 2024 introduction of the Unrivaled League, co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. This league offers WNBA players a domestic alternative to going overseas during the offseason, where many have previously earned additional income and prepared for the upcoming season.
The Unrivaled League’s allure lies in keeping players in the United States, providing the chance to compete against familiar opponents and receive competitive pay. Its inaugural season demonstrated that many players prefer to stay closer to home when financial incentives are available, with salaries starting at six figures, a substantial amount for many WNBA athletes.
Backed by prominent investors such as Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Carmelo Anthony, the Unrivaled League has significant resources to attract and retain top-tier talent domestically. For Lauren Jackson’s vision to materialize, the WNBL will need to offer exceptional incentives to persuade these players to consider Australia over a growing and well-supported American league.
The Future Impact on Australian Women’s Basketball
Lauren Jackson’s dedication to securing players like Caitlin Clark for the WNBL reflects a broader ambition to enhance the quality and visibility of women’s basketball in Australia. Achieving this goal could raise domestic interest and improve the league’s international reputation.
Despite the financial and competitive challenges posed by leagues such as Unrivaled, Jackson remains hopeful that high-profile signings will attract fans and sponsors, boosting the sport’s long-term growth. The success of these efforts could position the WNBL as a premier destination for women’s basketball talent worldwide.