After the debate over Caitlin Clark’s base salary during her WNBA rookie season, it has emerged that the Indiana Sky has earned a princely sum via a lucrative side hustle
WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark has earned more than her yearly salary in the league via a side hustle as she picked up a six-figure sum for a half-an-hour virtual engagement.
The Indiana Fever point guard made the successful transition to the professional scene during a landmark maiden season after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. The 22-year-old broke a host of long-standing records during her first campaign in Indianapolis en route to winning the Rookie of the Year Prize.
Amid her undeniable star power, controversy ensued during her first year, with outbound U.S President Joe Biden among those who were critical of her perceived relative low pay. During her rookie season, Clark earned a base salary of $76,535 – albeit with this figure not factoring in endorsements and sponsorships.
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Now, it has emerged that the former Iowa college sensation has put on six virtual speaking gigs in recent times, charging $100,000 each time for 30-minute appearances. Earning more than her WNBA base salary in just half-an-hour for these appearances, she is said to have tallied up $600,000 through these engagements, as per Clutch Points.
On top of this, Clark has a deal with sportswear giants Nike worth $28 million over eight years, alongside other lucrative agreements with brands Gatorade and State Farm. Previously, U.S. President Biden said of the youngster’s base salary: “Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all.
“But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women are not paid their fair share. It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve.”
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US President Joe Biden was among the chorus of voices who called out the salary handed to Caitlin Clark ahead of her WNBA rookie campaign (
AFP via Getty Images)
Meanwhile, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said of the debate over Clark’s salary: “Caitlin has the ability to make up to a half of a million dollars just in WNBA wages this year, so they’re just looking at a base, which is collectively bargained and actually is low, because she’s the number one pick.
“But she also has millions and millions of dollars in endorsements, and actually because she’s declared to become pro, her endorsements are higher in dollar value – she has a global platform now, not just a U.S. platform, so she’s going to do just fine as well.”
Of the Indiana Sky ace’s impact on the league itself, she also said: “She’s clearly an unbelievable player. Came in with an unbelievable following, has brought a lot of new fans to the league. If you look at our historic season in terms of our attendance, viewership – Caitlin, Angel Reese, too, Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink.
“This class of rookies, we will be talking about them a generation from now. No league is ever about one player. That one player could get hurt, or whatever. So I think it’s just to give recognition that in sports, people watch for compelling content and rivalries, and you can’t do that alone as one person.”
