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Caitlin Clark Gets Good News Regarding the WNBA

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 2:40 PM ET

looming lockout, details from the league's latest proposal have emerged that should appeal to the league's young stars.

The biggest complaint regarding young WNBA stars, such as the Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, who is largely viewed as the catalyst for the rise in popularity, is the fact that they will simply not earn what they are worth. However, ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported on Monday that success early in a player's career could equate to a lucrative contract sooner than in the past.

"All-WNBA 1st & 2nd team players who are still on rookie deals would become eligible to sign a max contract in their 4th year & would not be eligible for the core following that extension," wrote Philippou on X.

All-WNBA 1st & 2nd team players who are still on rookie deals would become eligible to sign a max contract in their 4th year & would not be eligible for the core following that extension

A player on a rookie deal that earns MVP could also be eligible for the supermax + no core
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) March 2, 2026

So, for Clark, who was named All-WNBA First Team during her 2024 rookie season, she would be eligible to ink a max deal in 2027.

As confirmed by the Associated Press, the league as a whole would see dramatic changes to its contracts with the average salary more than quadrupling.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on during a WNBA game between the Indiana Fever and the Connecticut Sun.Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

"The salary cap in the first year would be $5.75 million — up 280% from last year’s $1.5 million. That would grow to $8.5 million by the sixth year of the deal," wrote the AP. "The deal would result in maximum salaries increasing by more than $1 million — from $249,000 to $1.3 million — and average salaries increasing from $120,000 to $540,000 in the first year."

While Clark has racked up millions in endorsements with brands such as Nike, Gatorade and State Farm, she is slated to make $85,873 this season. So, a CBA deal that sees her amplify her earnings only seems right.

Regarding when this deal needs to be struck, the AP confirmed that an agreement must be reached by March 10 for the season to start on time. Needless to say, the next week or so will be a big one for all involved.

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

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