Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Gap Between Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese's Projected Salaries Emerges

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Mar 23, 2026 12:05 PM ET

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese led Team USA to a perfect 5-0 run at the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico.

The Indiana Fever guard earned tournament MVP, averaging 11.6 points and a tournament-best 6.4 assists. Her performance was a strong return to form after being sidelined for eight months with a groin injury. The Chicago Sky also played a key role off the bench, tying for the tournament lead with 8.0 rebounds per game and adding 6.8 points in just under 17 minutes of play.

Now heading into 2026, both players are staring at a payday that finally reflects their market. Under the previous 2020 CBA, the financial structure was significantly lower across the board. Clark, who went No. 1 overall in 2024, made just $78,066 in her rookie season. Reese, the No. 7 pick that same year, earned $73,439 in 2024 and $74,909 in 2025.

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22)© Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

However, after months of negotiations, the WNBA and its player union finally made a verbal CBA agreement that introduced the EPIC provision, which allows elite rookies like Clark to jump to maximum salaries much earlier.

In 2026, Clark’s salary will rise to $527,155 per new CBA agreement. Because she has already earned All-WNBA honors, she’ll be eligible for a max contract in 2027 that could reach $1.3 million.

On the other hand, Reese will see a similar jump next season, moving from $74,909 to $349,571. Her pay is projected to hit $395,015 in 2027, though she could also trigger a max contract leap if she earns All-WNBA honors before then.

paige, angel, caitlin, and the 2026 first overall pick’s projected salaries through 2028 (via the athletic): pic.twitter.com/uiEvl2TIDr
— ۟ (@dijopaigel) March 22, 2026

Despite these raises, a significant gap remains between the two stars’ paychecks. Because rookie deals are tied to draft position, the No. 1 overall pick naturally outearns the No. 7 pick. So, it is understandable why Clark is set to earn more than Reese.

And on-court production? Reese finished the year averaging 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists for the Sky, which struggled to a 10-34 finish. Her consistent bright scoring didn't help the team much to overcome the underwhelming run.

The Fever's guard, meanwhile, averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals but appeared in only 13 games. Her season was cut short by a series of lower-body injuries. Both were highly productive on the court, but neither completed a full season.

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

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