In the rapidly evolving world of women’s professional basketball, two college superstars, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, have cemented their places as the WNBA’s No. 1 draft picks in consecutive years—Clark in 2024 and Bueckers in 2025.
As they embark on their professional journeys, their rookie contracts offer a window into the financial realities of the WNBA, while their off-court ventures and broader impact highlight the shifting dynamics of the sport.
Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Contract
Caitlin Clark, selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, signed a four-year rookie contract worth $338,056, as dictated by the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Her salary progression is as follows:
- 2024: $76,535
- 2025: $78,066
- 2026: $85,873
- 2027 (team option): $97,582
The gap between Caitlin Clark’s WNBA salary and her actual value is pretty stark. As a top draft pick, she’s earning what the rules allow under the collective bargaining agreement – but it’s nowhere near what she’s worth based on her impact.
During her time at Iowa, Clark broke scoring records and brought tons of new attention to women’s basketball. When she joined the WNBA, she immediately boosted ticket sales, merchandise, and TV ratings for both the Fever and the entire league. Her games sell out, and her jersey is one of the best-sellers.
While her WNBA pay is modest, Clark is making good money off the court. She signed a huge $28 million Nike deal for eight years, including her own shoe line. She also has deals with Gatorade, State Farm, Bose, and Buick, bringing in an estimated $10+ million yearly from endorsements. Companies want her because fans love her playing style and personality.
This big difference between her league salary and her value has started a lot of conversations. Many people think the WNBA’s pay structure doesn’t fairly compensate players who bring in significant revenue.
For comparison, the 2024 salary cap was just $1.46 million per team, with even top players earning around $250,000. Clark’s situation shows why the league might need changes like better revenue sharing or higher salary caps to properly pay players for their impact.
Paige Bueckers’ Rookie Contract
In 2025, Bueckers followed in Clark’s footsteps, becoming the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings in the WNBA Draft. Her four-year rookie contract totals $348,198, with annual salaries outlined as follows:
- 2025: $78,831
- 2026: $80,408
- 2027: $88,449
- 2028 (team option): $100,510
Bueckers is taking a different approach to her pro career. Like Clark, her WNBA rookie salary is limited by the league’s set pay scale. But she’s found a creative way to boost her earnings and influence.
Bueckers signed a three-year deal with Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league started by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Her first-year salary with Unrivaled is reportedly $350,000 – more than her entire four-year WNBA contract combined. She also got equity in the league, giving her a financial stake in its future success.
Unrivaled, which launched this year, is shaking things up in women’s basketball. The league offers better pay, more flexible schedules, and gives players more control over their careers – addressing many of the WNBA’s biggest problems.
While Bueckers’ endorsement deals aren’t as numerous as Clark’s yet, she’s building her portfolio with Nike, Gatorade, and Bose. Her involvement with Unrivaled makes her brand even stronger, positioning her as a pioneer in the changing world of women’s sports.