Why Did Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Salary Cause Outrage Among Fans?

Caitlin Clark has significantly elevated the profile of women’s college basketball, emerging as one of its most legendary players on account of her remarkable scoring prowess. Her exceptional achievements have translated into increased television ratings and attendance for the sport.

Clark played in a game that recently made history due to its high viewership. This NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship showdown between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes aired on ABC and ESPN in April 2024.

According to Nielsen’s live-plus-same-day data, approximately 18.9 million viewers tuned in to watch. Viewership reached its peak at 24.1 million during the final minutes of the game, between 5:00 and 5:14 PM ET.

Clark is credited for boosting viewership due to her incredible talent on the court. Since her impact on women’s college basketball has been so immense Clark was asked if she feels the pressure put on her to always do better. The athlete noted that she doesn’t let the pressure get to her.

Whenever the heaviness of her responsibility threatened to weigh her down, Clark would remind herself that she was playing a team sport and could always rely on her teammates as well as her friends and family.

Still, Clark expressed, “At times you can definitely feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, but, more than anything, to me, like, this is fun. It’s a game. Just enjoy it. Like, how lucky am I?

The athlete’s hard work and dedication to her game paid off when in 2024, playing as a guard for the University of Iowa. Clark made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer across men’s and women’s college basketball. She scored three-point shots ever in a single season, surpassing Steph Curry, who previously held the record.

Subsequently, the 22-year-old was chosen as the top overall pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, joining the Indiana Fever. She is set to make $338,000 on a four-year rookie WNBA deal but her salary for 2024 will be $76, 535.

This salary outraged Clark’s fans, who feel she should be earning more, especially since the number one pick in 2023’s NBA draft made $55 million in his first year. Additionally, the men’s rookie in 2024, Victor Wembanyama of Metropolitan92 will be making over $12 million. A fan mocked what the WNBA was paying Clark, “On this salary Caitlin Clark would qualify for low income housing in San Francisco.”

Another frustrated fan pointed out the absurdity of Clark’s salary, “Yes, I agree. this is unfair. and don’t say she’ll earn more in sponsorships, because male hoopers also earn thru sponsorships + millions of dollars (even just role players).”

Celebrities also weighed in on Clark’s salary, echoing the comments of her fans. TV personality Lisa Ling raised a poignant question regarding the toll that sports and travel can take on women’s bodies. “Is this even a living wage?” she asked.

Ling noted the significant disparity in revenue generated by WNBA games compared to other sports, emphasizing the need for fair compensation for female athletes. She wrote, “Steph Curry makes more per game than what Caitlin Clark is making for 4 years! (…) this is disgraceful.”

When some people argued that the WNBA doesn’t bring as much revenue as the NBA, so Clark’s pay should be lower than that of male players, sports journalist Jemele Hill called them out. She told them that criticism only comes too easily, especially from those who may not have experienced the pressures of competitive sports firsthand.

Hill explained, “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.”

Ciara’s husband, Russell Wilson, also commented on Clark’s salary, “These ladies deserve so much more… Praying for the day 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.” Hoda Kotb backed up Wilson, expressing her frustration at Clark’s low salary compared to that of NBA players.

She noted that the athlete has sold out arenas and her games have the highest ratings but she isn’t getting paid her worth. Kotb also felt that it was unfair for NBA players to receive such a high salary when the women are getting paid a fraction of what the men are making.

USA Today columnist Christine Brennan hopes that Clark’s salary will continue sparking conversations about inequality in terms of pay between the NBA and WNBA. Still, Brennan is hopeful that Clark’s high rating and talent will spark a change in salary allocation in the WNBA as the sport has become more popular.

Clark has chosen not to address comments regarding her salary, but she expressed elation at being selected as the top pick in the WNBA draft. When asked about her emotions upon receiving this honor, she emphasized the profound significance of the moment, especially because she could share it with her family.

However, she admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, as being selected to go professional in basketball had been a lifelong dream since second grade. Clark added, “I always just believed in myself. My parents always instilled confidence in me from a young age, when I was a young girl.”

After the announcement, Clark said at a news conference, “I’m excited. This is the most competitive league in the entire world, with less than 144 spots. So you better bring it every single night.”

She also took a moment to thank the people who have seen her achieve this milestone. Aside from her family, team, and friends, Clark was grateful for her godmother, Sonya Curry, the mother of Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry.

She acknowledged, “It really takes a village. It’s not a one-person job,” Brink said. “I’m so blessed to have the people I have surrounding me.”

Clark’s father, Brent, was her first-ever basketball coach, who taught her the importance of form shooting, enabling her to be able to showcase her 3-point shoot prowess today. Brent was a multisport athlete at Simpson College, partaking in baseball and basketball.

Brent and his wife, Anne, have raised kids who showcase athleticism. The couple’s kids Blake, Caitlin, and Colin Clark, who used to give each other head-splitting injuries, also became respected athletes at their schools.

It was evident early on that Clark would excel in sports at a higher level, receiving offers as early as high school. Yet, amidst her serious and competitive demeanor, another side emerges, that of a woman who is humorous and lighthearted.

“She just has that fun, spunky attitude. She lets them say it’s OK to laugh. You really see that at home,” described Clark’s mom.

Clark’s talent and dedication are undeniable, but she humbly acknowledges the invaluable support of her family. From a young age, her parents have nurtured her talent, alongside her brothers, and they take immense pride in her achievements in her chosen sports.