It does not appear in the near future that Caitlin Clark will receive full compensation for what she has brought to the WNBA according to her agent with Excel Sports Management, Erin Kane.
Network ratings, ticket and merchandise sales and sponsors, to name a few, have all increased significantly since Clark joined the league last season.
"Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she's really worth to the league? I don't think that's possible," said Kane in a recent interview.
She went on to say that all players need to be paid more. There are more eyes on the league now, arenas selling out consistently, games being broadcast on major networks on almost a daily basis which translates to more money for the league. However, that money isn't reaching its players.
"They all need to be paid more. [Clark] should be recognized for what she has done and what she's brought to the league from an economic standpoint," she added.
Kane has always been an advocate for WNBA athletes alike representing stars Napheesa Collier and Arike Ogunbowale. The league saw its highest attendance ratings in over 20 years, as well as its most-watched season in 24 years, in large part due to Clark coming into the league. This has been a lot of debate, but the numbers are there to support it.
Clark has single-handedly changed the game of women's basketball forever
After extensive calculations, Dr. Ryan Brewer, an economic expert at Indiana University Columbus, said that Clark was responsible for just under 27% of the league's economic activity for the entire 2024 season.
WNBA salaries range from $64,000 and max out at just over $241,000. Clark's salary for the upcoming season is anticipated to be around $78,000, just over the league minimum for a player that has brought a massive amount of merchandise, ticket sales and television viewership to the league.
The pay gap has always been an issue in women's sports. With the positive response that the WNBA received last season, Kane is hopeful that things will change for these well-deserved athletes.
The WNBA announced a new 11-year media rights deal that will see the league bringing in about $2.2 billion once it's all said and done.
"The most important thing has always been getting WNBA players paid for what they do on the court," Kane said.
The league has work to do to get it done. But if there is one thing last season showed, it's that the WNBA is here to stay-- and it's trending to the top of sports world.