Caitlin Clark set up for massive payday after Fever's big decision

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. John Jones-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark could be in line for massive payday after Fever's big decision

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Apr 29, 2026 8:04 AM ET

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark could be one of the first WNBA stars to benefit from the new collective bargaining agreement.

On Tuesday, the team confirmed it has exercised the fourth-year option on Clark's rookie deal, keeping her under contract through the 2027 season. Along with ensuring Clark remains in Indiana for the foreseeable future, the move allows her to secure a huge extension next offseason.

Why Caitlin Clark is in line for payday in 2027

The new WNBA CBA was unanimously ratified on March 24 and runs until 2032. The new deal includes a provision called "EPIC" (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract), which allows players to renegotiate the fourth year of their rookie deals and secure a three-year extension.

Players can earn the max in their fourth year if they were previously named to All-WNBA first or second team. If they've won league MVP, they're eligible for a supermax. Under this clause, a player is ineligible for the core designation (similar to the NFL's franchise tag).

we have exercised Caitlin Clark's fourth year option pic.twitter.com/Vo1UCmqlNA
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 28, 2026

Clark — who's set to make $528.846K in 2026 — is already eligible for the max contract, as she made first-team All-WNBA during her rookie season in 2024.

"After that, if Clark so chooses, she could earn the projected max of $1.3M in 2027," wrote Spotrac's Bella Munson in a story published March 22. "In the first year of her extended term, 2028, she could earn the projected supermax of $1.7M."

Again, Clark must first win MVP this season to secure the supermax. She's in a position to do so. As of Tuesday night, FanDuel Sportsbook gives her the second-best odds to win the award (+290) behind Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (+270).

Clark and other stars have helped the WNBA experience a surge in popularity over the past two seasons. Now, they're set to reap the financial rewards of those efforts.

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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