As anticipated, Caitlin Clark was chosen by the Indiana Fever as the No. 1 overall pick in Monday’s WNBA Draft.
The standout from Iowa has significantly boosted the profile of women’s college basketball and is expected to continue impacting the professional game.
The disclosed terms of Clark’s rookie contract sparked discussion, with many fans surprised by the relatively low salary compared to male counterparts in top draft positions. Sports commentator Jemele Hill expressed frustration over the public reaction to WNBA salaries, highlighting that the league’s players have long campaigned for better compensation.
“I’m already annoyed by this conversation because for years, WNBA players have fought for more money,” Hill posted on social media. “And when they were outspoken, so many of y’all told them to shut up or reminded them how they had no value.”
Hill also emphasized the structural challenges facing the WNBA, including its shorter history compared to the NBA, which has benefitted from nearly three times as many years to establish funding and media presence. She pointed out perks like a free apartment and car provided to Clark, and noted the WNBA’s shorter season, with players participating in about half as many games as those in the NBA.
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“Weaponizing this information against WNBA players is another form of misogyny,” Hill argued. “These women have been dreaming of playing professionally in front of American audiences their whole lives. Instead of clowning and reminding them of what they’re not — buy the merchandise, go to the games, and watch the games on television.”
Over her four-year rookie contract, Clark will earn just over $338,000, a stark contrast to the over $55 million that Victor Wembanyama, the NBA’s latest No. 1 pick, is expected to earn in the same period solely from his salary.
While Clark may enhance her earnings through endorsements, the gap underscores the broader disparity in compensation between the WNBA and other major American professional sports leagues.
