The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement has arrived, and once ratified, player salaries will soar across the board. That includes Caitlin Clark, whose popularity was definitely a factor in the revenue growth that made the deal possible.
To get an idea of how big an increase we’re talking about, consider that the new WNBA player minimum salary is $270,000, which is higher than last year’s player supermax salary of $249,000. The league also instituted a measure that would see some of its lowest-paid players see a significant increase in their earnings if they found early success like Clark.
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The Indiana Fever star will make $76,535 as a rookie in 2024 and $78,066 in 2025, numbers that pale in comparison to her considerable endorsement income. According to Spotrac, she is due $85,973 in her third season in 2026, one year before restricted free agency.
Now she is ready to do $530,000 2026. This is reported via ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou, who cited the number as an example of the CBA’s new “EPIC” (Excellent Performance in Initial Contract) clause that will fast-track high-performing players to max and supermax contracts.
Now that she’s already been named to the WNBA’s All-Pro team, Clark expects her salary to grow to its projected maximum $1.3 million 2027. Afterwards, she can sign a $1.7 million 2028 Superstar.
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Beyond that, how much money Clark can make depends on the WNBA. The league’s new salary cap will be determined based on league revenue, which players pushed for in CBA negotiations. Based on current projections, the top salary could increase to $2.4 million by 2032.
Caitlin Clark is about to make more money. But probably still not as much as she’s worth. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(Kevin C. Cox via Getty Images)
Clark will also be eligible for a number of bonuses. Being named to the WNBA All-Pro team again will net her $30,000 in 2026, while MVP will net her $60,000. These bonuses will also begin to expand as league revenue increases in 2027.
All of this represents a sizable raise for Clark. It’s also likely to be significantly less than what she would get if she hit the open market without a salary cap, but that’s the sacrifice top players make when setting maximum salaries.
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Just like she did before this CBA, Clark will make up for it with endorsement money. Sportico estimates she will earn $16 million in the field by 2025. Although her salary is minuscule, it still makes her the sixth-highest-paid female athlete.
