Caitlin Clark's Agent Doesn't Believe WNBA Can Ever Pay Her 'What She's Really Worth'

[RealGM Wiretap]

Caitlin Clark's agent, Erin Kane, said it would not be possible to fully compensate her for what she's meant to the WNBA. Clark helped the WNBA have its most-watched regular season in 24 years and its highest attendance in more than 20 years.

"Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she's really worth to that league? I don't think that's possible," said Kane, who also represents WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale and a host of other prominent athletes for Excel Sports Management.

"She's part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she's brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It's as simple as that."

Clark's salary is expected to be just over $78,000 for the 2025 season. WNBA salaries are collectively bargained and range from roughly $64,154 to $241,984 for a player on a supermaximum contract. 

Via Michele Steele/ESPN

[Thechicagorilla]

Crazy I know people making more then that entry level working at Amazon

[hyberx]

Her Nike contract is 28mil over 8 years, that's how much she's really worth, on an endorsement deal because Nike believe they make money off her. Her WNBA contract is also what she is really worth, because as a money-losing business where The Brick Angel Reese and her 2-inch lift are one of your top attractions is not going to do that well even with a rare find like Caitlin Clark.

[MrGoat]

Should've taken the Big 3's offer then

[ReddOktober]

Her Nike contract is 28mil over 8 years, that's how much she's really worth, on an endorsement deal because Nike believe they make money off her. Her WNBA contract is also what she is really worth, because as a money-losing business where The Brick Angel Reese and her 2-inch lift are one of your top attractions is not going to do that well even with a rare find like Caitlin Clark.

It’ll get better once JuJu gets to the W. her and CC will be battling for years to come as well as Paige. might be the Bird Magic and then Jordan(juju) era the Wnba has been waiting for

[dirkdiggler4177]

Her Nike contract is 28mil over 8 years, that's how much she's really worth, on an endorsement deal because Nike believe they make money off her. Her WNBA contract is also what she is really worth, because as a money-losing business where The Brick Angel Reese and her 2-inch lift are one of your top attractions is not going to do that well even with a rare find like Caitlin Clark.

If Nike makes money while also paying her 3.5 mill it means she is worth more than her WNBA salary. Even If the WNBA is losing money. If you make a company earn for example 10 million in sales solely because of you, they cant say "Ohh, you are not getting paid more than 78.000 because we are losing money on all the other sales agents.

[Cassius]

This is the downside of collective bargaining. The same has been said about Lebron for years. However, in a league where we have coaches berating players for getting pregnant, sticking with the union is probably the best way to protect her off-court money.

[alienpick]

The WNBA is set to loose $50 million this year and survives based solely on the NBA subsidizing it; even with her bringing in record numbers.I'd say their salaries are right where they should be at the moment.

[xchange55]

The WNBA is set to loose $50 million this year and survives based solely on the NBA subsidizing it; even with her bringing in record numbers.I'd say their salaries are right where they should be at the moment.

The WNBA signed TV deals worth $200m per year for 11 years last year (or over $2b)- the amount was all due to Clark's influence. Despite all the past WNBA stars, only Clark has proven to be even remotely marketable. Do you want to know what the value was before Clark joined the WNBA? It was $50m.

The point of the agent statement is saying 99.9% of the WNBA players generate no revenue - Clark alone probably generates more revenue then the rest of the field combined. That is why she's not getting her worth. Yes you are correct on other WNBA players getting their worth.

[WaltFrazier]

The WNBA is set to loose $50 million this year and survives based solely on the NBA subsidizing it; even with her bringing in record numbers.I'd say their salaries are right where they should be at the moment.

The WNBA signed TV deals worth $200m per year for 11 years last year (or over $2b)- the amount was all due to Clark's influence. Despite all the past WNBA stars, only Clark has proven to be even remotely marketable. Do you want to know what the value was before Clark joined the WNBA? It was $50m.

The point of the agent statement is saying 99.9% of the WNBA players generate no revenue - Clark alone probably generates more revenue then the rest of the field combined. That is why she's not getting her worth. Yes you are correct on other WNBA players getting their worth.

Well put. Thank goodness Nike and other endorsements get her closer to what she's worth.