The record-breaking NCAA basketball star Caitlin Clark was selected as the first pick in the WNBA draft of 2024 by Indiana Fever.
However, Caitlin Clark shocking WNBA salary sparks outrage. What is the reason behind it? Let’s break down the WNBA salary of the basketball player.
Caitlin Clark Shocking WNBA Salary Sparks Outrage
The player is expected to sign a contract with the Indiana Fever, but her rookie salary has sparked outrage over pay disparity in women’s basketball. However, she celebrated her first pick in the WNBA draft with her boyfriend, Connor McCaffery, and her teammates.
Caitlin Clark shocking WNBA salary is far less than that of male counterparts in the NBA. During last year’s NBA draft, Victor Wembanyama, who was the first overall pick, was paid $55 million by the San Antonio Spurs.
Compared to the NBA draft, the WNBA draftees are getting even less than expected. Let’s break down the WNBA salary of the first pick and see the reason behind the outrage.
Breaking Down Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Salary
Let’s have a look at the contract that the first pick is signing with the Indiana Fever and find out the reason behind the outrage.
Being the first pick of the WNBA draft, Caitlin is signing a contract worth only $338,056 with Fever. However, the amount is nothing compared to the NBA draftees.
This summer, the player will earn $76,535 in her rookie season and an annual salary of $97,582 by the end of the four-year contract.
The fans and celebrities quickly pointed out that the rookie salary was way lower. Let’s see what the fans and celebrities say about Caitlin Clark shocking WNBA salary.
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Fans And Celebrities React To WNBA Salary Of The Player
Clark’s fans are expressing their disappointment on social media, comparing it to what NBA draft picks make.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson also shared his disappointment by posting on X (Twitter), writing, “These ladies deserve so much more…. Praying for the day.”
Many fans are pointing out that the salary is disrespectful. Meanwhile, Clark herself makes millions from her endorsements.
Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis, an Oscar winner, also posted on Instagram and shared initially by Today, explaining why some fans are outraged by Clark’s salary.
The basketball player holds men’s and women’s NCAA’s all-time scoring and assist records. This year’s final championship game also attracted millions of viewers; she is mainly credited for it.
The salary is low, and the picks deserve way more than the current offer.
Similarly, you might also be interested in learning more about Caitlin Clark ScreenSaver.
Caitlin Clark Helps Shatter WNBA Draft Viewership Record
Caitlin Clark delivered another television milestone when the WNBA draft averaged a record of 2.45 million viewers. ESPN said that the viewership peaked at 3.09 million.
Compared to the previous 2023 draft, the audience was four times more, drawing 572,000. The viewership of the WNBA draft 2024 gained the highest viewership since 2000 for any WNBA telecast.
The reason for the rise in viewership was the player for Iowa, Caitlin Clark, who brought in thousands of new fans. When Clark played against South Carolina, she then also attracted many fans.
While Iowa and South Carolina played against each other, South Carolina took the title; however, Caitlin has become the reason for many fans to watch the game.
Clark was selected as the No.1 overall by the Indiana Fever; she will have the peak visibility this WNBA season. Regardless of Caitlin Clark shocking WNBA salary, she is gaining much attention from her fans.
FAQs
Q. Is Caitlin Clark going to the WNBA?
A. She was selected as the No.1 overall by Indiana Fever.
Q. How much money will Caitlin Clark make?
A. She is estimated to make $338,056 over four years.
