The new WNBA collective bargaining agreement has arrivedand, once ratified, will see player salaries skyrocket across the board. That includes Caitlin Clark, whose popularity was definitely a factor in the revenue growth that made the deal possible.
For perspective on how large an increase we're talking about, consider that the new WNBA minimum salary of $270,000 is larger than last year's $249,000 supermax for players. The league has also instituted a measure that will see some of its lowest-paid players see their incomes grow significantly if they see early success, like Clark.
The Indiana Fever star made $76,535 as a rookie in 2024 and $78,066 in 2025, figures dwarfed by her considerable endorsement income. PerSpotrac, she would have been due $85,973 for her third season in 2026 and still a year away from restricted free agency.
Now, she's set to make$530,000in 2026. That's viaESPN's Alexa Phillippou, who reported the number as an example of the new CBA provision called "EPIC" (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract) that will fast-track high-performing players to max and supermax deals.
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Because she has already made an All-WNBA team, Clark could see her salary grow to a projected max of$1.3 millionin 2027. After that, she could sign for a$1.7 millionsupermax in 2028.
How much Clark makes beyond that is dependent on the WNBA. The league's new salary cap will be based on league revenue, which the players pushed for in CBA negotiations. Under current projections, the top salary could be increased to $2.4 million by 2032.
There are also a number of bonuses Clark will be eligible for down the line. Making All-WNBA first team again would net her $30,000 in 2026 and an MVP would get her $60,000. Those bonuses will also start scaling with league revenue growth in 2027.
All of that is a considerable raise for Clark. It's also likely far less than she would get if she were to hit the open market with no salary cap, but that's the sacrifice top players make when a max salary is instituted.
Like she did before this CBA, Clark will make up for it with endorsement money.Sportico estimatedher income in that realm to be $16 million in 2025. Despite her negligible salary, that still made her the sixth-highest paid female athlete overall.
