ESPN’s New WNBA Mock Draft: Caitlin Clark to leave WNBA for Europa League

In May 2025, the basketball world was rocked by a report that Caitlin Clark — the Indiana Fever’s superstar guard — was leaving the W.N.B.A. to join the Europa League. Social media lit up with low-grade viral headlines about “Caitlin Clark to leave WNBA for Europa League Women’s Basketball!” and “WN BA Loses Its Biggest Star to Europe!”. But how much of this is true? This piece breaks down the truth and the lies about them, considers how much we should believe these rumors, and covers why Clark’s future is squarely with the WNBA.

Origination of Claims of Caitlin Clark to Leaves WNBA for Europa League

The rumors originated in edited videos that were posted on platforms including YouTube and Facebook, where footage of real W.N.B.A. highlights of Clark was spliced with fake contract announcements and artificial intelligence-generated commentary. These posts fraudulently announced that she had signed with a European team, capitalizing on her global fame to attract followers.

Poor Context Regarding Overseas Play

Though some players, rookies like Kamilla Cardoso included, wait out their off-season shutdown by playing for European leagues, this is temporary. But the viral posts portrayed Clark’s alleged transfer as a permanent exit, disregarding her contractual commitments and agreed public agreement with the Fever.

Fact-Check: Is Caitlin Clark Actually Leaving the W.N.B.A.?

Official Statements and Evidence

Nothing From the WNBA or Indiana Fever: Neither Clark’s team nor league officials have indicated on plans to leave. The Fever’s social media has never stopped gassing up her position in their 2025 season for wins and roster notes it over.

Clark said: In a recent Instagram post, Clark looked back on her rookie year, writing: “Year one-thank you to everyone who supported me… See you all in year two”. She also stressed wanting to win a championship with the Fever during media interviews.

Physical and Strategic Preparedness: The Guardian and Defector both chronicling Clark’s rigorous preparation during the offseason—weightlifting and skill work aimed at getting her better to play for the Fever, not a European team.

Why the Rumors Persist

On social media, misinformation can quickly go viral, and sensational claims attract clicks. The words “Caitlin Clark leaves WNBA” draw on a wider discourse about WNBA salaries and player treatment.

Stars like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner have gone overseas for better money, but Clark’s endorsements (Nike, State Farm) and stateside opportunities lower her financial incentive to bounce.

Why WNBA Players Look OverseasTeams from Australia, France and Russia are expressing strong interest in WNBA players, particularly those who might have lucrative advertising deals in their future.

Clark is not leaving, and many WNBA players play in Europe or Asia during the off-season. Key reasons include:

Better Pay: Many European teams pay three to five times that of the WNBA’s $120,000 average salary.

Persistence of Play Time: Offseason leagues help keep players in competitive condition year-round.

Exposure Abroad: International games enhance basketball players’ visibility for potential sponsors.

Broadcast ratings are at record highs, fans are filling arenas and Clark is the face of the most marketable team in a league that has built its brand on progressive politics. The fact she makes $3 million+, has endorsement deals and is the face of the league also makes moving overseas even less appealing

The Disinformation Taking Aim at Women’s Sports

• The Clark rumors elucidate a larger problem: fake news polluting sports reportage. For instance:
• Fabricated Videos: Other athletes, such as LeBron James and Simone Biles, have also been the subject of manipulated stock videos to influence stock prices or conspiracy theories.
• Trust Erosion: In a 2024 Gallup polling, only 32% of fans trusted news on social media, a dip from 51% in 2020.

How to Spot Fake News:

• Double-check on official team websites or though a reliable source such as ESPN.
• Look for patterns in multiple reports.
• Caitlin Clark’s 2025 Season: What’s Next for the Fever?
• On-Court Evolution

The offseason work from Clark — bulking up, stretching her shooting range out to the 3-point line — was enough to make her one of the favorites for MVP. Her teammates rave about her leadership (the likes of DeWanna Bonner) and coach Stephanie White sees her as increasingly able to adapt to the WNBA’s physicality.

The Fever’s Quest for a Championship

Indiana’s retooled lineup, which features veterans Natasha Howard and Sydney Colson, is looking to improve upon a 2024 playoff appearance. Analysts such as those who say South Carolina would likely finish in the top four expect Clark to play a substantial role alongside All-Star forward Aliyah Boston.

The Bigger Picture: The WNBA’s Pursuits and Pitfalls

• Clark’s escalation has shone a light on broader problems in the league:
• Pay Disparities: WNBA players average 1 percent of NBA salaries, despite record viewership. Jason Whitlock and others want rival leagues to put pressure on WNBA for some revenue-sharing reform.
• Physicality Concern: Clark accounted for 17% of the league’s flagrant fouls in 2024, only raising safety concerns.
• Schedule Conflicts: Clark teasingly took aim at the WNBA’s summer season being at odds with her golfing interests, but she’s who is she’s and these are union like demands to be more about work-life balance in the next CBA.

Conclusion: Caitlin Clark isn’t going anywhere

The “Caitlin Clark leaves WNBA for Europa League” story is a fable about the dangers of misinformation in an age when everyone is on the internet. While European leagues provide plenty of financial incentive, Clark’s legacy is being written in the W.N.B.A., where she’s changing the calculus for women’s basketball’s popularity and commercial viability.