WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Makes History Away from Basketball

Caitlin Clark Makes History at Long Island Association Appearance

Clark was the featured speaker at the annual Long Island Association fall luncheon, following in the footsteps of notable former speakers, including:

• Former Presidents of the United States Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush
• Sports legends Michael Strahan, Derek Jeter, Jack Nicklaus, Peyton Manning and David Beckham

Clark, 23, became the youngest speaker to ever headline the distinguished event and the first pro female athlete to do so. While she may have fallen outside the typical demographic, she was a slam dunk choice for LIA president and CEO Matt Cohen.

“Bringing Caitlin Clark to Long Island is fresh – it’s a little different than what we’ve done in the past,” said Cohen, who interviewed her at the luncheon. “We’ve had athletes in the past, but we’ve never had someone so young who legitimately has transformed the game, and the economics and the business of the game.”

The young Fever star spoke about her upbringing, love of basketball and how being a marketing major had impacted her career — revealing that professors at Iowa would ask her about her lucrative NIL deals.

Caitlin Clark's Speaking Fees

Despite her age, few people are better qualified to talk to the business community about knowing their worth than Clark, who makes the majority of her earnings off the court.

Clark's speaking fees reportedly start at $100,000 for 30 minutes just for a virtual cameo. It is likely higher for this type of in-person event, easily eclipsing her 2025 WNBA salary of $78,066. It is not confirmed whether or not Clark was paid for the appearance at LIA.

What's Next for Caitlin Clark This Offseason

Clark has another speaking engagement coming up in her offseason schedule before she returns to sports at The ANNIKA Pro-Am golf tournament in November.

In terms of basketball, Clark's top priority is to work back from her season-ending groin injury in time to play with USA Basketball at the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico in March. Fever head coach Stephanie White shared an update last week that the team is still taking her recovery on a “week-to-week” basis.

With the WNBA collective bargaining agreement about to expire and negotiations at a standstill, Clark's next season in the league is the subject of fan concern. But if she has to find something else to do next summer, it would not be a surprise if she finds a way to make history in the process.