Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Salary Causes Outrage Among Fans

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts during the second half against the LSU Lady Tigers during the 2023 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament championship game at American Airlines Center on April 02, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The salary amount of Caitlin Clark, the number one overall pick by Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA draft, has sparked outrage among basketball fans. Over her 4-year contract, despite historic college basketball performances, Clark will be paid $338,056, not even close to the amount of an NBA player.

Clark had a highly successful college career at the University of Iowa, where she became the top NCAA Division I scoring player in basketball. Now, her WNBA salary started a scandal.

Under the league collective bargaining agreement, Clark will be paid an annual wage of no less than $76,535 in her first year and up to $97,582 in her fourth year.

The NBA’s 2023 No.1 draft pick, Victor Wembanyama, earned $55 million in 2023 from joining the San Antonio Spurs and another $12.1 million the next year.

This pay disparity continues to draw attention to the main issue. Of course, brands like State Farm, Gatorade, and Nike have contracted with Clark for high-paying endorsements likely to increase her salary earnings, but depending on endorsement money is not viable.

Furthermore, relying on sponsor money to supplement WNBA wages is not a sustainable source of revenue for all athletes. The bargaining contrasts point to the hardships of WNBA players, most of whom play abroad for greater pay during the off-season.

The outrage regarding Clark’s pay is consistent with the pushback against fairness and equity concerns in professional sports pay and whether continued compensation with a high-value system should continue.