Caitlin Clark isn’t just redefining what it means to be a basketball phenom—she’s rewriting the entire financial playbook. With a jaw-dropping $11.1 million in earnings in 2024, the WNBA rookie has not only shattered records but also turned heads faster than a no-look pass. Unsurprisingly, the news elicited some golden commentary from WNBA legend Sue Bird, who didn’t hold back on what this means for the league and Clark’s future.
“She’s kind of like the unicorn of women’s basketball,” Bird said during a recent discussion. “But what’s exciting is that brands are recognizing her value and, by extension, the value of the WNBA. This isn’t just about Caitlin; it’s about breaking down doors for the entire league. Honestly, it’s like a perfect alley-oop for the future of women’s sports.”
If Bird’s words don’t make you want to invest in the league, maybe the money will. Clark ranked 10th on the list of the highest-paid female athletes in 2024. While her WNBA rookie salary is a modest (by pro sports standards) $76,535, the sponsorships she’s pulled in are enough to make even NBA players jealous. Nearly 100% of her earnings came from endorsements.
Move Over, Steph Curry—Caitlin Clark’s the New Golden Child
Brands like Nike, Gatorade, and every tech startup that wants to look “progressive” have hopped on the Caitlin Clark express. And why not? She’s marketable, talented, and, let’s be honest, a walking highlight reel.
But let’s not pretend that Clark’s meteoric rise hasn’t stirred up a little resentment—or at least envy. The fact that she made a financial decision to skip the inaugural season of the highly anticipated 3-on-3 league, Unrivaled, didn’t go unnoticed. Clark addressed the decision with her trademark poise:
“I didn’t rule out doing it in the future, but this year just wasn’t the best for me,” she told Time, after being named their 2024 Athlete of the Year. Translation? “I’m swimming in sponsorship cash and don’t have time to mess around right now.”
Sports journalist Sean Gregory went a step further, noting that Clark’s hefty bank account likely influenced her decision. Can you blame her? If someone handed you $11.1 million, would you risk injury playing pickup games—even if it’s for an elite league?
What This Means for the WNBA
Clark’s success isn’t just a personal win; it’s a billboard-sized sign that the WNBA’s marketability is skyrocketing. As Bird pointed out, Clark’s massive visibility is funneling attention—and money—into the league. Brands aren’t just investing in her; they’re investing in what she represents: a future where women’s sports are finally taken seriously.
Let’s not forget that other athletes on the top-paid list are raking in cash from salaries and sponsorships. Tennis superstar Coco Gauff led with $30 million, followed by freestyle skiing icon Eileen Gu with $22 million. Clark’s sponsorship-heavy earnings underscore the WNBA’s need to revisit those rookie contracts. Seriously, $76,535? That’s barely enough to afford a courtside seat at an NBA game.
Sue Bird’s Crystal Ball for the WNBA
Bird summed it up best: “Caitlin is a bit of a catalyst here. What she’s doing off the court is just as important as her performance on it. Brands are finally waking up to what we’ve known for years: women’s basketball is worth the investment. And Caitlin? She’s the star who’s proving it beyond a doubt.”
With her influence, Clark isn’t just securing her legacy; she’s paving the way for future athletes to thrive in a league that’s long overdue for its moment in the spotlight. As for the $11.1 million? Expect that number to climb faster than Caitlin can drain a three-pointer from half-court.
