Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s superstar rookie, has made a remarkable entrance into the world of professional sports earnings, securing the 10th spot on Sportico’s annual list of highest-paid female athletes. Clark’s total earnings of $11.1 million have propelled her into the ranks of some of the most celebrated athletes across all sports, including iconic figures like gymnast Simone Biles. Remarkably, Clark’s earnings are primarily driven by endorsement deals, setting the stage for what promises to be a lucrative career both on and off the court.
The Sportico list, which includes earnings from salaries, winnings, and endorsement deals, was topped by U.S. tennis sensation Coco Gauff with $30.4 million, followed by Chinese-American skater Eileen Gu at $22.1 million, and Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek, who earned $21.4 million. Caitlin Clark’s entry into the top 10 in just her first year as a pro athlete places her alongside elite athletes who have established themselves as global brand ambassadors.
Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen noted Clark’s unique position, writing, “Clark ($11.1 million) makes her list debut after a record-breaking college career that included more than a dozen NIL deals at Iowa.” These name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, such as those with Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Panini, were key to her earning potential as a college athlete and have seamlessly transitioned into her professional career with the Fever. Nike, in particular, has become a cornerstone of her endorsement portfolio, signing Clark to an impressive eight-year deal worth more than $3 million annually.
Other brand partnerships include Wilson, Hy Vee, Xfinity, Gainbridge, and Lilly, making Clark one of the most marketable young athletes in the world. These sponsorships are expected to continue to grow as she solidifies her status as the WNBA’s new face.
While Caitlin Clark’s earnings total $11.1 million, the bulk of that amount comes from endorsements. Her WNBA rookie contract included a base salary of $76,535, which, after bonuses and performance incentives, pushed her on-court earnings to around $100,000. A notable bonus was the $10,300 awarded for making the All-Star game, underscoring the recognition Clark has earned early in her career.
For context, Sportico’s Badenhausen pointed out that Clark’s earnings are reminiscent of athletes like Simone Biles and Eileen Gu, who similarly generate more than 99% of their income from endorsements. While her salary as a rookie is modest compared to the likes of NBA superstars like Stephen Curry—whose base salary for the 2024-2025 season is $55.8 million—Clark’s financial future looks incredibly bright as she continues to attract top-tier sponsorships.
Despite the growing commercial value of athletes like Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s salary structure remains a hot-button issue, and the disparity between the league’s revenues and players’ wages continues to stir debate. As Badenhausen writes, the WNBA’s new television deal, which is expected to boost annual TV revenue to $260 million, is still a fraction of the NBA’s media agreements. This disparity highlights the gender pay gap that continues to plague professional sports, despite the increasing popularity of women’s sports.
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner, defended the league’s current pay model during a CNBC event in 2024, emphasizing that player compensation is not just about base salaries but also includes bonuses and incentives. Nevertheless, with players like Clark leading the charge, the growing visibility of women’s basketball may lead to calls for more equitable compensation in the future.
The WNBA players’ decision to opt out of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) after the 2024 season reflects the frustration surrounding this issue. WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) president Nneka Ogwumike issued a statement emphasizing that the move wasn’t just about increasing pay but about securing a fair share of the business that players have helped build. “We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re demanding it, because we’ve earned it,” Ogwumike said.
Looking ahead, Caitlin Clark’s earning potential continues to grow. As her on-court performance, marketability, and endorsement deals reach new heights, she is poised to become one of the highest-earning athletes in the WNBA—and perhaps in all of women’s sports. Her debut on Sportico’s highest-paid list is just the beginning, and it is clear that Clark’s financial and athletic future are bright.
For now, the focus will remain on Clark’s rookie season with the Indiana Fever, where she is expected to make an immediate impact on the court. With her star power both in basketball and outside the sport, Clark’s influence is already being felt on a global scale, and her marketability continues to rise.
As the WNBA’s salary structure and the broader sports landscape evolve, Caitlin Clark’s presence both as an athlete and as a brand ambassador is one to watch closely. Her success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes, particularly women, to harness their marketability and claim their rightful place in the world of professional sports.
Caitlin Clark’s entrance into the world of elite sports earners is a testament to the power of endorsements and the growing commercial appeal of women’s basketball. With $11.1 million in earnings in her rookie year, Clark is already among the highest-paid female athletes globally. While the WNBA’s pay disparity continues to spark important discussions, Clark’s remarkable rise serves as a hopeful signal of the increasing value of women’s sports. As her career progresses, the question will no longer be about whether female athletes deserve equal pay, but when that pay will finally reflect their true worth.
