It’s no secret that WNBA salaries are significantly lower than those in the NBA, and the contract of the No. 1 overall draft pick, Caitlin Clark, is a prime example of that.
Clark, the standout player from Iowa who was chosen by the Indiana Fever, is slated to make $76,535 in her first year as part of a four-year contract totaling around $338,000. This paycheck is standard for the top draft pick in the WNBA, with incremental increases each year.
Comparatively, the average minimum salary for NBA players sits at about $1.1 million, significantly more than what Clark is set to earn. However, she is likely to supplement her income through endorsements, potentially exceeding the NBA minimum salary through those deals alone.
Based primarily on league revenue rather than individual performance or gender, the NBA holds a significant edge as it is a well-established organization with substantial sponsorships and broadcast fees. The sales of WNBA merchandise and ticket revenues are notably lower than those of the NBA, contributing to the disparity in player salaries.
While some WNBA teams struggle with attendance, the presence of players like Clark and Angel Reese, the former LSU star now with the Chicago Sky, could potentially elevate the league’s popularity and financial prospects. Clark, in particular, has drawn considerable attention akin to a celebrity, suggesting she may play a role in advocating for higher salaries for WNBA players in the future.
