WNBA salaries by the numbers: Putting Caitlin Clark’s salary in context
WNBA salaries by the numbers: Putting Caitlin Clark’s salary in context
Caitlin Clark was taken No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in Monday night’s 2024 WNBA draft after leading Iowa to back-to-back national championship game appearances.
It’s her reported salary that has taken center stage, however.
The dynamic guard is set to make $76,535 her rookie year and $338,056 over the next four seasons, according to Spotrac.
For comparison, Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick of the Spurs in the 2023 NBA Draft, will make $55.1 million over four years.
The Hawkeyes’ loss to South Carolina in the national championship game, Clark’s final collegiate game, was viewed by 18.7 million people and peaked at 24 million — the most-watched hoops broadcast of any kind since the 2019 men’s championship game between Texas Tech and Virginia.
However, Clark’s NCAA popularity will do little to impact her rookie salary given the current financial realities of the WNBA.
The WNBA currently makes $60 million a season from its TV contracts ESPN, CBS, ION and Amazon, per Front Office Sports.
Caitlin Clark, middle, poses with general manager Lin Dunn, left, and head coach Christie Sides following a WNBA basketball news conference, Wednesday. AP
The NBA makes $2.7 billion annually from its TV contracts with Turner and ESPN.
Also, NBA players get 50 percent of revenue from broadcast rights and ticket sales per the deal with the union.
Follow along with The Post’s coverage of WNBA No.1 draft pick Caitlin Clark
WNBA players only get 50 percent of the league’s excess money after it hits a certain revenue target.
However, Clark can make up to an additional $250,000 through the WNBA’s Player Marketing Agreement, and she can also sign a team-specific agreement for up to $100,000, according to the Indianapolis Star.
There is also a $500,000 WNBA playoff pool and a $500,000 bonus split between the two Commissioner’s Cup participants.
Plus, Clark will score millions in endorsement cash.
The 22-year-old had an NIL valuation of $3.4 million at the end of her college career, according to On3, thanks to sponsorships agreements with the likes of Nike, Gatorade and State Farm.
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