Caitlin Clark Shakes Up the WNBA by Accepting Dave Portnoy’s “Internet Invitational”

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, superstar Caitlin Clark has accepted an invitation to participate in Dave Portnoy’s “Internet Invitational” golf tournament. The decision highlights a growing shift in professional sports: athletes are increasingly asserting control over their personal brands, proving that their influence can extend far beyond the court. For Clark, this opportunity demonstrates that her value transcends the league she plays in, and it has reportedly caused panic within WNBA offices.

From Basketball to Golf: Expanding Her Brand

Clark’s journey to the golf spotlight began with her appearance at the LPGA’s “The Annika” Pro-Am, where she drew record crowds and impressed spectators with her skill and passion for the game. Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and a master of internet attention, quickly noticed. Unlike the WNBA, which has been criticized for underpromoting its biggest star, Portnoy moved decisively, extending Clark an invitation to his tournament. Recognizing the potential, Clark said yes.

The “Internet Invitational” is far from an ordinary celebrity charity event. Portnoy has reported viewership of 20 to 25 million, dwarfing typical WNBA broadcasts and rivaling major televised sporting events. Next year’s tournament aims for a prize pool of $10 million—far exceeding the salary cap of a WNBA team. By joining, Clark positions herself on a stage with global exposure and massive financial stakes.

A Statement of Independence

Clark’s acceptance signals a broader understanding of her personal value. By aligning with an independent, high-profile event, she taps into audiences and revenue streams the WNBA currently cannot provide. Analysts note that while the league struggles to market its biggest star effectively, Portnoy already secured Clark’s participation for next year. This move illustrates the widening gap between the league’s promotional efforts and the opportunities available to athletes willing to leverage their celebrity beyond basketball.

Insiders describe a sense of panic in the WNBA: the league does not “own” Caitlin Clark’s brand. For years, she has been exposed to physical challenges on the court while receiving limited marketing support. Meanwhile, organizations outside the WNBA, like the LPGA and Barstool Sports, recognize her value, offering platforms that match her stardom and drive sponsorship, engagement, and visibility.

The Team Dynamic: Golf as a New Avenue

Adding to the story is Clark’s Indiana Fever teammate, Sophie Cunningham, who caddied at the LPGA event and expressed newfound enthusiasm for golf. Cunningham hinted at forming a “Fever Golf Team” with Clark and teammate Lexi Hull. This organically builds both brand and camaraderie outside the WNBA, creating a parallel content ecosystem that increases players’ independence from the league’s structures.

If Clark, Cunningham, and Hull dominate the celebrity golf circuit, they generate significant revenue and exposure streams, giving them leverage in future contract negotiations. Modern athletes understand that playing careers are short and injuries unpredictable. By expanding into low-risk, high-reward ventures like golf, Clark ensures she maximizes her earning potential and influence while minimizing physical risk.

The Broader Implications for the WNBA

Portnoy’s invitation highlights the league’s shortcomings in fully supporting and monetizing its stars. His strategy was simple: recognize Clark’s value and act decisively. While the WNBA debates collective bargaining and competitive balance, external actors provide Clark platforms aligned with her global stardom. This sets a precedent for athletes to seek opportunities beyond their primary sport, especially when the league fails to match their potential.

Clark’s participation is not just about golf; it’s a public declaration of independence. She is choosing where her talent and star power are valued, sending a clear message to the WNBA: either step up and match her worth, or watch her shine elsewhere.

A Cultural and Financial Shift

By joining the “Internet Invitational,” Clark bridges sports, celebrity, and digital media in a way few athletes have managed. Her move underscores a larger trend: professional athletes increasingly control their brand, forging opportunities independent of traditional league structures. For the WNBA, this is a wake-up call—its product is basketball, but its star has become a cultural phenomenon whose reach extends far beyond the court.

The implications are profound. If the league cannot provide adequate promotion, compensation, and opportunities that match what Clark can obtain independently, it risks losing her and other high-profile talents to ventures that fully recognize their marketability.

Conclusion: Caitlin Clark’s Bold Move

Caitlin Clark’s “yes” to Dave Portnoy is more than a simple RSVP to a golf event—it is a strategic, career-defining statement. She is demonstrating that modern athletes can thrive financially, culturally, and professionally outside the traditional constraints of their leagues. The WNBA has been put on notice: its brightest star now operates on a global stage, and the league must adapt or risk being left behind.

Clark’s decision is a glimpse into the future of sports, where elite athletes dictate their paths, leverage independent platforms, and maximize both visibility and value. For fans, it’s a thrilling development; for the league, it is a clear challenge to evolve.