Caitlin Clark mentions Angel Reese in discussing WNBA contract extensions

Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images / Candice Ward-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Caitlin Clark mentions Angel Reese in discussing WNBA contract extensions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 12:12 AM ET

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entered the WNBA as on-court rivals, stemming from their collegiate basketball battles. Both players were part of the 2024 WNBA draft class.

The Atlanta Dream star was the Chicago Sky’s seventh overall pick. Clark, on the other hand, was selected by the Indiana Fever with the first overall pick.

Following their first-round playoff exit against the Las Vegas Aces, Clark spoke about her future with the team during a news conference. The three-time WNBA All-Star is now eligible to sign an extension to her rookie contract.

The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allows the Fever star to sign an extension under the Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract (EPIC) provision. This allows her to renegotiate the fourth year of her rookie deal and sign a three-year extension.

Clark could sign for the projected max of $1.3 million in 2027 and the projected supermax of $1.7 million in 2028.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark before the game against the Connecticut Sun.Trevor Ruszkowski - IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Speaking to reporters during her 2026 exit interview on Thursday, Clark admitted she hasn’t given much thought to whether she intends to sign an extension.

The 6-foot guard mentioned Reese as one of the young players eligible for the EPIC provision as she discussed her future in the WNBA.

“Obviously it’s a really cool opportunity,” Clark said at the 6:15 mark. “I think it’s something that’s great that was added to the CBA to kind of reward young players that are on their rookie deals.

“I think now Angel (Reese) will be able to get onto her EPIC as well. Obviously, we saw [Aliyah Boston] get onto her EPIC. And then Paige (Bueckers) will be able to the following year, I believe, so um just something that’s really cool.

“I think it shows respect to the young players that are really talented in our league.”

Aliyah Boston officially became the first WNBA player to sign a contract extension under the EPIC provision. Ahead of the 2026 season, the four-time All-Star signed a four-year, $6.3 million deal to stay with the Fever.

Clark could become the second Fever player to sign under the new provision. She is already under contract through 2027, but an EPIC agreement would secure her future in Indiana beyond the final year of her rookie deal.

The former Iowa star made it clear that, beyond her own personal gain, she will also prioritize the team’s best interests.

“I just think for myself it’s more a decision of how we can best construct a roster and what’s going to be best for our team to help us win championships,” she said.

Clark is coming off her best WNBA season, averaging 22.3 points on 44.5% shooting from the field and 36.1% from three, along with 4.0 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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