Caitlin Clark has already made waves on the basketball court, but her ambitions stretch far beyond hoops. As one of the biggest names in women’s basketball, she’s now setting her sights on the world of business. Her ultimate dream? To own a sports team someday. However, just like a basketball shot circling the rim, some of her plans are still waiting to land.
Recently, Denver secured the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 16th franchise with a record-breaking $110 million expansion fee, the largest in U.S. women’s sports history. The news, shared widely on social media, highlighted the massive strides women’s sports are making. Denver’s bid, led by Robert Cohen, CEO of IMA Financial Group, includes a $150 million stadium project and a group of wealthy investors. It’s a bold and expensive move, setting a high bar for anyone else looking to join the league.
Meanwhile, Clark and her group in Cincinnati are chasing the same dream. Their bid centers around TQL Stadium, home to FC Cincinnati, but lacks the glitzy new stadium plans and hefty investment backing that Denver boasts. Despite these challenges, Clark remains determined to make her mark in the NWSL.
BREAKING: Denver has secured the @NWSL's 16th franchise, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. The $110 expansion million fee is the biggest expansion fee ever paid in U.S. women’s sports.@novy_williams with more ⤵️https://t.co/gCPRr8Tbri pic.twitter.com/9wMizTkfxb
— Sportico (@Sportico) January 2, 2025
Though she’s just finished her incredible rookie season with the Indiana Fever, Clark is already thinking about her future beyond basketball. Earlier this year, she told a magazine that she wants to own a sports team one day, saying, “I love basketball, but when it’s over, I hope to find other things I’m passionate about.” She recognizes the growing value of NWSL teams, pointing out how clubs like Angel City FC are now worth $250 million.
Clark’s Cincinnati bid shows she’s serious about stepping into the business world even before her basketball career ends. But with Denver’s flashy deal grabbing headlines, the competition is heating up, and the road ahead won’t be easy.
Interestingly, Clark’s entrepreneurial dreams go beyond sports. On a podcast with her former Iowa teammates, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, she laughed about a childhood dream of opening a restaurant. “I always told my mom I was going to open this place called Rib Crib,” she shared. Although a retirement home replaced the empty lot where she imagined her restaurant, Clark hasn’t completely let go of the idea. She now envisions opening a coffee shop or a small eatery for fun once her playing days are over.
The Denver deal raises the stakes for future NWSL expansions, highlighting the league’s rapid growth. Valuations have jumped 57 percent in the last year, signaling that investing in women’s sports is not just trendy but also financially smart. For Clark, it’s an exciting but challenging moment. Her Cincinnati bid is about more than securing a spot in the league; it’s a chance to help redefine what women’s sports ownership looks like.
Caitlin Clark’s story is still unfolding, and her plans are as ambitious as her signature three-point shots. Whether she’s dominating the court or paving a new path in the business world, one thing is clear—she’s just getting started.
