After breaking records at the collegiate level, Caitlin Clark and the draft class of 2024 are ready to break records of the WNBA. The prediction came true as Clark was the overall number 1 draft pick by the Indiana Fever. The draft had around 1000 fans in attendance, and they sold out tickets within minutes. And to no surprise, this was not the only record they created for the night.

According to ESPN, “The 2024 WNBA draft garnered a total of 2.45 million viewers — making it the most viewed draft in the history of the women’s league.” Such numbers were possible not only because of Caitlin Clark but other players as well. Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Jacy Sheldon made the top 5 picks. Angel Reese wasn’t far behind, as she was the overall number 7 pick. So let’s have a look at the player’s salary.

2024 WNBA salary of Caitlin Clark and others

The WNBA has a collective bargaining agreement in place to determine player salaries. This year, the first four draft picks will have a contract of $338,056 for four years. Caitlin Clark, Brink, Cardoso, and Jackson are eligible for the contract. In their rookie years, they will earn $76,535.

After that, the players receive $78,066 in year two and $85,873 in year three. Teams then can pick up a fourth-year option for $97,582. The contract dips for the next four picks. Jacy Sheldon, Aaliyah Edwards, Angel Reese, and Alissa Pili will have contracts of $324,383 for four years. In their first year, they will earn $73,439.

In comparison to last year’s overall first-draft pick, Aliyah Boston $75,792 for the first year. But they aren’t the currently highest-paid WNBA players.

WNBA players with the highest salary

Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces currently holds the number-one spot. She signed a 2-year deal of $504,900, thus earning an average salary of $252,450. Jewell Loyd was the number 1 draft pick in 2015 and, since that season, has grown into the league. Seattle Storm agreed to a two-year extension and thus has a contract of $245,508.

Marginally behind in the 3rd spot is Kahleah Copper of the Phoenix Mercury. Her contract $490,118 was for two years, with an average salary of $245,059. Arike Ogunbowale is in 4th position and represents the Dallas Wings. She was drafted in 2019 and since then has many accolades to her name. After signing a 3-year contract extension of $7,25,952, she currently earns $241,984.

Diana Taurasi makes the list after playing the WNBA season for 19 seasons. She had some choice words towards Caitlin Clark during the March Madness tournament, mentioning how Clark would take time adjusting to the grownup leagues, and it won’t be easy for her. While her intentions may or may not be hurtful, dismissing Clark’s abilities was not the right move, according to fans. The 41-year-old has signed an extension with Phoenix Mercury, which averages her salary to $234,936. Yet, in comparison to the NBA players, the figures are shockingly less.

Issues with salary for the WNBA players

The WNBA has a broadcast revenue of $60 million, as opposed to the NBA’s $2.7 billion. Because of this, the funnel of transfer of funds becomes less. The Indiana Fever’s last year total payroll was roughly $1.2 million near about the average for every team in the league. The lowest possible salary for an NBA player with just one year of experience — effectively the league’s minimum wage — is $1.5 million per year.

According to Vox, in 2023, the average salary for a WNBA player was $113,295, and the average base salary for an NBA player was $9.7 million. The recent trends are pointing towards the surge in interest in women’s basketball. Last year, the viewership for the league was highest.

Now, with the addition of Caitlin Clark and the WNBA draft class of 2024, things will definitely improve. The majority of teams are already shifting their stadium to bigger venues to accommodate more fans. Also, tickets and merchandise have been selling out at a speed never seen before.