On Friday night, WNBA fans were treated to another thrilling showdown between two of the league’s brightest stars, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Clark delivered a dominant performance, leading her team to a commanding 100-81 victory. While Reese struggled early on, she still managed to achieve an impressive milestone by recording her 23rd double-double of the season, breaking Tina Charles’s record for the most double-doubles in a single season by a rookie.
Though the game itself lacked the intense competitiveness typically associated with matchups between Clark and Reese-led teams, it only further solidified the ongoing narrative of their intertwined basketball journeys.
Among the spectators in Chicago that evening was none other than NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. The Hall of Famer was invited for a brief courtside interview during the Fever’s win, where he used the opportunity to advocate for better pay for WNBA players, drawing attention to the growing popularity of the league this season.
When asked about his experience attending the WNBA game in person, Shaq expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I love it, especially for women. They’ve always played great, they’ve always played hard, and I’m glad they’re finally getting the exposure they deserve. Now, we just need to get them contracts similar to what some of those NBA guys are making.”
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Eagle-eyed fans may have noticed that Shaq was seated alongside Matas Buzelis, a 2024 first-round pick for the Chicago Bulls, making for an intriguing courtside duo.
Shaq’s comments come at a time when the WNBA is making significant strides towards better compensation for its players. The league recently secured a new media rights deal worth roughly four times more annually than the previous agreement. This influx of money is expected to benefit the players as the league’s revenue grows, with more resources potentially being allocated to salaries.
However, the disparity between WNBA and NBA salaries remains substantial. The highest-paid NBA player for the upcoming season, Stephen Curry, will earn around $55 million, while the highest-paid player in WNBA history, Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces, is set to make approximately $252,000 this season.
While it may be a long time before WNBA players see contracts approaching those of their NBA counterparts, the gap is gradually narrowing. Advocates like Shaq speaking out in support of closing this gap, coupled with the WNBA’s increasing fan base and visibility, are driving the conversation forward.
It may still be years before true parity is achieved, but the momentum is building, making it feel more possible than ever before.
