Caitlin Clark is making just $76,535 in her first season in the WNBA as part of her rookie contract with the Indiana Fever.
The 22-year-old sensation was, as expected, selected first in the WNBA draft in Brooklyn on Monday evening.
But the value of her rookie contract is well below the typical NBA deal that male college prospects sign.
Clark will earn $338,056 over the course of her four years in Indiana. She signs a three-year contract, with an option for a fourth year.
In the first year, Clark will bring in $76,535. That rises to $78,066 in year two, before rising further to $85,873 in year three. If the fourth-year option is taken, Clark will earn $97,582.
Caitlin Clark makes just $76,535 in her first season in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever
Victor Wembanyama – the No. 1 men’s draft pick – earned $12,160,680 in his first NBA season
By comparison, Victor Wembanyama – the No. 1 men’s draft pick – earned $12,160,680 in his first season with the San Antonio Spurs.
Fortunately, for Clark, she is a magnet for commercial opportunities off the court and her revenues will get a significant boost from sponsorship deals.
Clark has already closed deals with blue chip companies such as State Farm Insurance, Nike, Gatorade, Buick, Hy-Vee and many others.
Her NIL (name, image and likeness) value was recently reported to be just over $800,000.
Clark, who the agency said wore a white Prada jacket and skirt, arrives in the WNBA as the most successful college player in history, making her the sport’s new star.
The former Iowa star has become a household name in recent months and she will now look to revive the Indiana franchise along with last season’s No. 1, Aliyah Boston, who previously played with Clark on a U.S. Under-19 basketball team .
Clark has already signed lucrative deals with companies like State Farm and Gatorade
Clark appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday, just hours after the WNBA draft
She continued her media frenzy this week in New York City by stopping by ABC’s Good Morning America on Tuesday, admitting she was “anxious” about participating in the draft.
Clark said, “It feels super special. While you’re sitting at the table and kind of know where I’m going, you still get a little worried when the commissioner walks out and says your name.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was in second grade. It was great to sit at the table with my family and to share it with them was super special.”
When asked about the pressure placed on her over the past month as she led the Iowa Hawkeyes to the NCAA Championship game and leading up to the draft, she added, “Honestly, I feel like it’s just is something that belongs.
‘I don’t feel much of it. It’s just the way I handle myself and go about my business every day.
“That’s what I try to do the most, but at the same time I always remind myself that this is a team sport. I have a lot of people I can rely on and outside of basketball I know I can rely on my friends and family to be there and support me.
‘Sometimes you can definitely feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, but most of all I like this, it’s a game, just enjoy it. How happy am I?’