Caitlin Clark's rookie contract has triggered fierce debate online, with sports fans split on whether the college basketball star's salary is too low.
Clark was selected by Indiana Fever during the first round of the WNBA draft on Monday, making her the first pick of 2024.
The 22-year-old scored 3,951 points during her collegiate career, making her the highest NCAA Division I scorer of all time across both the men's and women's leagues. Clark played point guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, helping the team to the national championship final two years in a row.
According to the WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement, Clark will earn $338,056 if she signs with the team for four years, with her salary rising annually:
- 2024: $76,535
- 2025: $78,066
- 2026: $85,873
- 2027 (optional): $97,582
The first four picks of the WNBA draft are allotted the same salary, so Clark will be earning the same as fellow top choices Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso and Rickea Jackson.
On Tuesday, the account NBA Central shared a breakdown of Clark's contract to X, formerly Twitter.
Caitlin Clark’s contract
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 16, 2024
(Via @spotrac ) pic.twitter.com/d0YQtVGriR
The post quickly went viral, receiving over 11 million views, with many users hitting out at the "atrocious" salary.
"Sheeesh, why does that not seem like a lot for 1st pick," commented Willy Bullish.
"Damn that's all?" said Cam. "I mean I feel like female athletes are grossssly underpaid."
"Biggest woman's hooper in the world is getting paid an entry level consultant salary," wrote Iami.
"She would be better off working a 9 to 5," said @JovanRMFC.
"The WNBA has to do better. This is unacceptable," commented @HaterReport_.
However, others felt the amount of money Clark will net through endorsements means her WNBA salary is inconsequential.
"She'll earn 10x+ on sponsorships," said Danny Dope.
"WNBA check might be weak, but she's going to make plenty of money!!" wrote Sade.
"Don't feel bad she has a lot of endorsements with Gatorade and Nike, etc. She will be OK," commented Patrick Lac.
"She will make more from brand deals, and I hope her agent does a real real good job with the negotiations!!" said @JuiceHT1.
The college basketball legend has been credited with raising NCAA viewership in recent years.
Iowa's championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks racked up an average of 18.7 million viewers—more than any other basketball game since 2019—peaking at 24.1 million, while the average ticket price for the NCAA Women's final four match-up earlier this month reached $726.
As well as breaking the record for highest point scorer, Clark was a four-time AP All-American and a two-time Associated Press Player of the Year. She has also won the Wade Trophy and Naismith Award twice, among many other accolades.
Indiana Fever jerseys emblazoned with Clark's name sold out within an hour of the draft announcement, and the MVP winner has already proven her earning potential.
Clark has landed partnerships with Nike, Gatorade, State Farm and Buick, with the former student reportedly worth around $3 million.
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