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Caitlin Clark's Lucrative Nike Deal Highlights WNBA Salary Discrepancies

Despite a modest WNBA salary, Caitlin Clark secures a significant Nike endorsement, emphasizing the financial challenges and opportunities in women's basketball.

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - APRIL 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes looks on during the National Anthem before playing the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2024 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament National Championship at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Caitlin Clark, recently drafted by the Indiana Fever, will earn a base salary of $76,535 in 2024 but has signed an eight-figure endorsement deal with Nike.
  • The deal with Nike, which includes a signature shoe, reflects the growing marketability of women's sports stars despite lower league salaries.
  • WNBA players, like Clark, often earn significantly less than their NBA counterparts, highlighting ongoing discussions about pay disparities in professional sports.
  • Clark's endorsement deals and high-profile status are seen as potential catalysts for increased investment and interest in the WNBA.
  • The new media rights deal for the WNBA, expected to be negotiated soon, could further impact player salaries and league revenue.