Will Caitlin Clark Leave Indiana Fever?
Will Caitlin Clark Leave Indiana Fever?
Caitlin Clark is a rising star in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and was the first round and first overall pick for Indiana Fever in 2024.
Arguably one of the greatest collegiate players in the sport, Clark enjoyed much college basketball success during her time playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
In addition to being named player of the year twice while on the team, she became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I.
However, her short time in the WNBA hasn’t been without controversy, as many have questioned why Clark will earn less than the Charlotte Hornet’s mascot in her first year as a professional basketball player.
Due to her low salary, it wouldn’t be surprising if the gifted basketball star was enticed with a better offer from another team. Will Caitlin Clark leave Indiana Fever? Read on to learn more.
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What is Caitlin Clark’s Salary?
Despite enjoying much college basketball success, many believe Caitlin Clark’s salary doesn’t reflect the talent she brings to Indiana Fever and its marketing power.
For instance, she was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year during her rookie season. After all, she set single-game and single-season records for assists, was the first rookie to earn a triple-double, and broke the rookie scoring record.
For this reason, it is hard to fathom why Caitlin Clark will earn a $76,535 salary in 2024, especially as the Charlotte Hornets mascot takes home $100,000 annually.
Her income is expected to grow throughout her four-year rookie contract, as she could earn $338,000 in total.
As Clark will earn 2% of the median NBA salary, it has triggered nationwide conversations about the pay disparity between the WNBA and the NBA.
President Joe Biden even commented on the issue on social media, “Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all. But right now we are seeing that even if you are the best, women are not paid their fair share.”
To make matters worse, Caitlin Clark had a big impact on WNBA’s TV ratings and, in turn, its revenue.
As she helped Iowa achieve record TV ratings during the NCAA tournament, she is a major reason why 36 out of 40 Indiana Fever games were broadcast nationally in her rookie season.
Will Indiana Fever’s Defeat Cause Clark to Leave?
Despite her low salary, Cailtin Clark has given her all to Indiana Fever, helping the team to reach its first playoffs since 2016.
However, the basketball team’s recent defeat might be enough to convince Clark to go elsewhere, especially as there is speculation that she isn’t happy with its coaching staff.
For example, she appeared to ignore Head Coach Christie Sides during a game against Indiana Fever’s arch-rivals, Chicago Sky, in June 2024.
When Sides asked the team to huddle before the final play, as they were down one point, Caitlin Clark shrugged her shoulders and walked away saying, “it doesn’t matter,” angering many fans who believed she had given up on the game.
It isn’t the first time tension has been noticed by sports fans, as the rising star has experienced many tense moments with coaches, referees, and teammates during various games throughout her rookie season.
It may suggest Clark isn’t happy with the team or its direction, which might encourage her to play elsewhere in the near future.