Caitlin Clark's Agent Says It's Not 'Possible' for WNBA to Pay Her a Salary That Matches Her True Value

Mar. 15, 2025

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during a press conference after losing 81-87 to the Connecticut Sun in Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs.Photo:Joe Buglewicz/Getty

Joe Buglewicz/Getty

Caitlin Clark’s agent is reflecting on the WNBA star’s value to the league.

“She should be recognized for what she has done and what she’s brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It’s as simple as that,” Kane added.

WNBA salaries have been a frustrating topic for the league and its players. When Clark was drafted first overall last April, hersalary quickly drew criticismas more people became aware of the average player income.

Caitlin Clark 22 of the Indiana Fever poses for a photo at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.Jeff Dean/Getty

Jeff Dean/Getty

According to Spotrac, Clark reportedly made $76,535 in her first year and will bring in $78,066 in her second, $85,873 in 2026, and $97,582 in 2027. In total, she will earn $338,056 during her first four years in the league.

That same month, the WNBA star signed a deal with Nike for a reported $28 million over eight years, which would make it the largest-ever for a WNBA player.

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And when the new women’s 3x3 basketball league Unrivaled attempted to get Clark to play, theyreportedly offered her $1 million plus equity stakein the team, though she ultimately declined the offer.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrates in the second half of a game against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 18, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.Chet White/Getty

Chet White/Getty

When Unrivaled concluded on Feb. 14, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier addressed the difference in her salary after winning the largest one-day prize in women’s basketball history, a $200,000 payout. “My entire WNBA salary is what I just got in 30 minutes of playing one-on-one, which is insane to even say,” Collier, 28, said, according to ESPN.

According toESPN, Unrivaled players earn an average salary of more than $220,000 during the eight-week season, which is close to the maximum base salary in the WNBA.

When Clark was invited to participate in the NBA’s 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend on Feb, 15, the WNBA starreportedly turned down the offerin an attempt to draw more interest in the WNBA’s upcoming All-Star events. According toShams Charania of ESPN, Clark “wants her first three-point contest to be at WNBA All-Star in Indianapolis this summer,” rather than the NBA’s.

source: people.com