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Many complained Caitlin Clark will be underpaid with her WNBA salary. Even if true, Clark will still be largely compensated. NBA Insider Shams Charania reported that Clark’s Nike deal will be valued at more than $20 million as she enters the WNBA. Clark already had a previous partnership with Nike.
According to Charania, Clark will continue her partnership with Nike, moving from an NIL deal to a full-fledged endorsement. The partnership could include a signature shoe. Nike dropped the bag to keep Clark under the Swoosh brand.
“Nike came over the top with an eight-figure deal,” Charania said. “I’m told it is well beyond $10 million. It’s fair to say it is above $20 million. How above? We will see if we get the final numbers.”
The deal is reportedly multi-years and the estimated $20 million figure would be paid out over the entirety of the contract, not annually. Charania estimated a four or five-year deal. Clark has been wearing Nike apparel at events she has attended all week for the WNBA Draft.
Clark was also pitched by other shoe companies. Adidas attempted to lure the basketball star but was unsuccessful. Under Armour also pulled out the big names to try and land Clark.
“I am told the plan would have been for her to be a part of Under Armour and Curry Brand and possibly wear Curry Brand,” Charania said. “Steph Curry FaceTimed into the meeting and talked to Clark and her family.”
Clark rebuffed the offer and took the money to stay with Nike. She wore Nike apparel throughout her college career at Iowa. Nike is the official outfitter of the university’s athletic department.
Clark also has other endorsement deals. She has appeared in State Farm Insurance commercials. She is also a Gatorade athlete and has a deal with trading card and memorabilia company Panini. It is likely Clark will garner more sponsorship attention now that she is free from college duties.
How much will Caitlin Clark make in the WNBA?
Many people have been discussing Caitlin Clark’s salary. She signed her standard rookie wage contract with Indiana Fever after being drafted first overall.
Clark will earn $76,535 in her rookie season. The contract has a total value of $338,056 over four years. She will then be eligible for a raise and an extension.
Caitlin Clark will be making plenty off the floor to make up for the small salary. The young star was already making north of one million per season in NIL deals while in college.
