The sports world is abuzz with a shocking revelation from comedian and talk show host Bill Maher, who just minutes ago claimed on his show Real Time with Bill Maher that Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark has been secretly negotiating a lucrative deal to play in Europe, sending shockwaves through the WNBA community and prompting an immediate response from league officials.

Maher, known for his provocative and often controversial takes, cited “inside sources” and a “sworn affidavit” to allege that Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and the face of the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity, is considering leaving the league for a more profitable and less physically demanding environment.

The revelation, which has been met with a mix of disbelief, outrage, and intrigue, has raised serious questions about player loyalty, market forces, and the future of women’s basketball.

Maher’s claims, which were delivered in his signature brash and confrontational style, included details about a potential 3-year contract worth over $15 million, with clauses that would allow Clark to return to the WNBA if the European league fails to meet her expectations.

“Caitlin Clark is about to do what no one thought possible—leave the WNBA for greener pastures,” Maher said, leaning forward in his chair.

“She’s been offered a fortune to play in a league where she won’t get mauled every night, and I have the affidavit to prove it. This is a game-changer.” The audience, which included several WNBA players and analysts, was visibly stunned, with some seen whispering and others shaking their heads in disbelief.

The revelation has prompted an immediate response from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who issued a statement just hours after Maher’s broadcast, calling the claims “baseless and irresponsible.”

“Caitlin Clark is a dedicated and loyal member of the Indiana Fever, and there is no truth to these rumors,” Engelbert said. “We are committed to ensuring she has every opportunity to succeed and thrive in the WNBA, and we will not be distracted by unfounded speculation.”

The statement, which was echoed by Fever management and Clark’s representatives, has done little to quell the speculation, with fans and analysts alike calling for more transparency and accountability from the league.

“If these rumors are true, the WNBA needs to come clean,” tweeted ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo. “Players deserve to know the truth, especially when their futures are at stake.”

The controversy has also reignited debates about player compensation and marketability in the WNBA, with Maher pointing to Clark’s record-breaking merchandise sales and viewership as evidence that she deserves a better deal.

“Caitlin Clark is driving the WNBA’s growth, and she should be rewarded for that,” Maher argued. “If she leaves, it’s a loss for the league, but it’s a win for her—and for the fans who want to see her play without fear of injury.”

Critics, however, have accused Maher of sensationalizing the story for ratings, with former player and current analyst Tamika Catchings calling his claims “irresponsible and dangerous.” “Caitlin Clark is a rookie—she has her whole career ahead of her,” Catchings said on NBC Sports. “Let’s not create a panic and undermine her journey in the WNBA.”

Behind the scenes, the Fever are reportedly “furious” with Maher, with sources saying they are considering legal action for defamation. “We have no knowledge of any such negotiations, and we will not tolerate false rumors that damage our team and our player,” one source told TMZ.

“Caitlin Clark is here to stay—and we’re going to make sure of it.” The controversy has also put pressure on the European league, with officials there denying any involvement in talks with Clark, saying: “We respect Caitlin’s talent, but we have no current plans to sign her.”

However, the denial has only fueled the speculation, with fans and analysts alike wondering what Maher’s “inside sources” and “sworn affidavit” could mean for the future of women’s basketball.

As the controversy unfolds, the WNBA faces a critical moment. With the league enjoying unprecedented growth and attention, incidents like Maher’s allegations raise serious questions about the sustainability of its business model and the long-term prospects of its players.

The league must decide whether to stand by Clark and address the concerns that led to the rumors, or risk alienating its biggest star and the fans who have been flocking to her games. One thing is certain: Bill Maher’s stunning claims have struck a nerve, and the reverberations will be felt across the basketball world as the league scrambles to respond.

The sports world now faces a critical moment. With the WNBA enjoying unprecedented growth and attention, incidents like Maher’s allegations raise serious questions about the sustainability of its business model and the long-term prospects of its players.

The league must decide whether to stand by Clark and address the concerns that led to the rumors, or risk alienating its biggest star and the fans who have been flocking to her games. One thing is certain: Bill Maher’s stunning claims have struck a nerve, and the reverberations will be felt across the basketball world as the league scrambles to respond.