“Agent: Fever's Caitlin Clark, WNBA players deserve higher pay”

[BobPSU92]

See the link below. From the article:

“It's not possible to fully compensate Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark for what she has meant to the WNBA, her agent, Erin Kane, told ESPN.

"Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she's really worth to that league? I don't think that's possible," said Kane, who also represents WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale and a host of other prominent athletes for Excel Sports Management.

"She's part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she's brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It's as simple as that."

Clark enters her second season with the Fever after breaking the league's assists record as a rookie. She and the rest of a star-studded rookie class helped drive the WNBA's most-watched regular season in 24 years and its highest attendance in more than 20 years.

An economist at Indiana University Columbus interviewed by the Indianapolis Star recently calculated that Clark was responsible for $36 million in economic impact to the city of Indianapolis and almost 27% of the league's economic activity for the 2024 season, including attendance, merchandise sales and television.

Clark's salary is expected to be just over $78,000 for the 2025 season.”

Agent: Impossible to pay Clark true WNBA worth

Caitlin Clark's agent doesn't think it's possible for the Fever star to be paid "what she's really worth" and that CBA talks should "move the line forward a lot."

www.espn.com

$78,000?! What the actual hell? I could see underpaying her for going to iowa, but $78,000? Criminally low.

I’m sure she does well with endorsements, but still. That salary is a disgrace.

 

[PSUFTG]

See the link below. From the article:

“It's not possible to fully compensate Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark for what she has meant to the WNBA, her agent, Erin Kane, told ESPN.

"Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she's really worth to that league? I don't think that's possible," said Kane, who also represents WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale and a host of other prominent athletes for Excel Sports Management.

"She's part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she's brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It's as simple as that."

Clark enters her second season with the Fever after breaking the league's assists record as a rookie. She and the rest of a star-studded rookie class helped drive the WNBA's most-watched regular season in 24 years and its highest attendance in more than 20 years.

An economist at Indiana University Columbus interviewed by the Indianapolis Star recently calculated that Clark was responsible for $36 million in economic impact to the city of Indianapolis and almost 27% of the league's economic activity for the 2024 season, including attendance, merchandise sales and television.

Clark's salary is expected to be just over $78,000 for the 2025 season.”

Agent: Impossible to pay Clark true WNBA worth

Caitlin Clark's agent doesn't think it's possible for the Fever star to be paid "what she's really worth" and that CBA talks should "move the line forward a lot."

www.espn.com

$78,000?! What the actual hell? I could see underpaying her for going to iowa, but $78,000? Criminally low.

I’m sure she does well with endorsements, but still. That salary is a disgrace.

The 12 teams in the WNBA generate REVENUE - in total - of about $65 million - around $5 million per team in REVENUE.
Profit? Well below $0

Does Kaitlin Clark have significant "market value"? I expect she does - and I expect she earns a lot of money based on that market value.
According to this (FWIW): Caitlin Clark's 2024 Earnings Revealed, Shocking WNBA Salary - Heavy Sports She made over $11 million last year. But it certainly wasn't paid to her by the WNBA - they have no money to pay her with. The people who actually generated profit through their association with her paid her.
I don't think there are going to be wagonloads of tears and sympathy for a ballplayer bringing in a 8-figure per year income (nor for her agent who takes their slice)

 

[BobPSU92]

The 12 teams in the WNBA generate REVENUE - in total - of about $65 million - around $5 million per team in REVENUE.
Profit? Well below $0

Does Kaitlin Clark have significant "market value"? I expect she does - and I expect she earns a lot of money based on that market value.
According to this (FWIW): Caitlin Clark's 2024 Earnings Revealed, Shocking WNBA Salary - Heavy Sports She made over $11 million last year. But it certainly wasn't paid to her by the WNBA - they have no money to pay her with. The people who actually generated profit through their association with her paid her.
I don't think there are going to be wagonloads of tears and sympathy for a ballplayer bringing in a 8-figure per year income (nor for her agent who takes their slice)

Thanks. As always, the devil is in the details. I hadn’t seen the WNBA numbers and didn‘t realize they were that low. Oof.

 

[fairgambit]

The 12 teams in the WNBA generate REVENUE - in total - of about $65 million - around $5 million per team in REVENUE.
Profit? Well below $0

Does Kaitlin Clark have significant "market value"? I expect she does - and I expect she earns a lot of money based on that market value.
According to this (FWIW): Caitlin Clark's 2024 Earnings Revealed, Shocking WNBA Salary - Heavy Sports She made over $11 million last year. But it certainly wasn't paid to her by the WNBA - they have no money to pay her with. The people who actually generated profit through their association with her paid her.
I don't think there are going to be wagonloads of tears and sympathy for a ballplayer bringing in a 8-figure per year income (nor for her agent who takes their slic

 

[NittPicker]

I love watching a handful of sports and think players should get what they can. Market value and all that. But what’s the market for the WNBA?? And why does anyone think they “deserve” anything??

 

[Keyser Soze 16802]

Deserves got nothing to do with it

 

[Erial_Lion]

To build on Barry's point, the WNBA had their most successful season ever in 2024 from a revenue standpoint. They brought in $60 million. However, they spent $70 million, leading to a net loss of $10 million. That's the 26th straight year since they were founded that they lost money.

It's insanity that Clark's agent said ""I think we're ready for a spin-off [from the NBA], I just think that the NBA is incentivized to make decisions that are good for the NBA, and those are not always aligned with what's good for the WNBA. And so, for the sake of the league that I work in, I want women and women's basketball to be able to make clean, clear choices that are in their own best interest." about a league that has lost over $200 million in it's history with the NBA's owners continuing to feed it money to keep it alive.

 

[Bison13]

To build on Barry's point, the WNBA had their most successful season ever in 2024 from a revenue standpoint. They brought in $60 million. However, they spent $70 million, leading to a net loss of $10 million. That's the 26th straight year since they were founded that they lost money.

It's insanity that Clark's agent said ""I think we're ready for a spin-off [from the NBA], I just think that the NBA is incentivized to make decisions that are good for the NBA, and those are not always aligned with what's good for the WNBA. And so, for the sake of the league that I work in, I want women and women's basketball to be able to make clean, clear choices that are in their own best interest." about a league that has lost over $200 million in it's history with the NBA's owners continuing to feed it money to keep it alive.

Yep, let them go out on their own, the league wouldn't make it two years. I think initially they could get some advertising $ due to CC, but thats it. Wasn't Indiana responsible for a quarter of their revenue? Why arent the northeast and LA markets helping? They will get nothing from TV, noone is going to watch a Wednesday night game on TV, who will take on that contract?

 

[Ludd]

To build on Barry's point, the WNBA had their most successful season ever in 2024 from a revenue standpoint. They brought in $60 million. However, they spent $70 million, leading to a net loss of $10 million. That's the 26th straight year since they were founded that they lost money.

It's insanity that Clark's agent said ""I think we're ready for a spin-off [from the NBA], I just think that the NBA is incentivized to make decisions that are good for the NBA, and those are not always aligned with what's good for the WNBA. And so, for the sake of the league that I work in, I want women and women's basketball to be able to make clean, clear choices that are in their own best interest." about a league that has lost over $200 million in it's history with the NBA's owners continuing to feed it money to keep it alive.

Everything I’ve read states they lost $40 million…which was better than the $50 million they were projected to lose.

 

[Ludd]

See the link below. From the article:

“It's not possible to fully compensate Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark for what she has meant to the WNBA, her agent, Erin Kane, told ESPN.

"Will Caitlin Clark ever be paid by the WNBA what she's really worth to that league? I don't think that's possible," said Kane, who also represents WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale and a host of other prominent athletes for Excel Sports Management.

"She's part of a larger player body. They all need to be paid more. She should be recognized for what she has done and what she's brought to the league from an economic standpoint. It's as simple as that."

Clark enters her second season with the Fever after breaking the league's assists record as a rookie. She and the rest of a star-studded rookie class helped drive the WNBA's most-watched regular season in 24 years and its highest attendance in more than 20 years.

An economist at Indiana University Columbus interviewed by the Indianapolis Star recently calculated that Clark was responsible for $36 million in economic impact to the city of Indianapolis and almost 27% of the league's economic activity for the 2024 season, including attendance, merchandise sales and television.

Clark's salary is expected to be just over $78,000 for the 2025 season.”

Agent: Impossible to pay Clark true WNBA worth

Caitlin Clark's agent doesn't think it's possible for the Fever star to be paid "what she's really worth" and that CBA talks should "move the line forward a lot."

www.espn.com

$78,000?! What the actual hell? I could see underpaying her for going to iowa, but $78,000? Criminally low.

I’m sure she does well with endorsements, but still. That salary is a disgrace.

She makes $78,000 because she’s under the rookie contract and that’s what rookies get paid. Their CBA is changing next year and all the contracts will look a lot different, but it’s hard to pay the players a ton more when the league doesn’t make any money.

 

[Erial_Lion]

Everything I’ve read states they lost $40 million…which was better than the $50 million they were projected to lose.

It's really tough to get good data (I'd guess that it's because no one really wants to admit how much they are losing, but that's no more than a guess). I went with the most conservative figure that I found...but there were other sources that stated the losses were closer to your number.

Either way, they are losing a crap load of $$$.

 

[VicVaselino]

Deserves got nothing to do with it

True. I deserve to be 6'5" and hung like a horse.

 

[LionJim]

True. I deserve to be 6'5" and hung like a horse.

I’ve always been curious what it would be like to be 6’5”.

 

[BobPSU92]

Everything I’ve read states they lost $40 million…which was better than the $50 million they were projected to lose.

The WNBA needs Neeli. PERFORMANCE.-BASED. FUNDING.

 

[bdgan]

To build on Barry's point, the WNBA had their most successful season ever in 2024 from a revenue standpoint. They brought in $60 million. However, they spent $70 million, leading to a net loss of $10 million. That's the 26th straight year since they were founded that they lost money.

It's insanity that Clark's agent said ""I think we're ready for a spin-off [from the NBA], I just think that the NBA is incentivized to make decisions that are good for the NBA, and those are not always aligned with what's good for the WNBA. And so, for the sake of the league that I work in, I want women and women's basketball to be able to make clean, clear choices that are in their own best interest." about a league that has lost over $200 million in it's history with the NBA's owners continuing to feed it money to keep it alive.

OSU athletics lost $38 million last year but it they still managed to get people paid.

Big Ten athletic departments’ 2024 financial statements: Seven lessons from a data deep dive

The athletic departments of the Big Ten’s 16 public universities spent nearly $3 billion during fiscal year 2024. How much did they make?

www.nytimes.com

 

[BobPSU92]

OSU athletics lost $38 million last year but it they still managed to get people paid.

Big Ten athletic departments’ 2024 financial statements: Seven lessons from a data deep dive

The athletic departments of the Big Ten’s 16 public universities spent nearly $3 billion during fiscal year 2024. How much did they make?

www.nytimes.com

That’s why they lost $38 MM, or part of the why. Pay them less, or not at all.

 

[Erial_Lion]

OSU athletics lost $38 million last year but it they still managed to get people paid.

Big Ten athletic departments’ 2024 financial statements: Seven lessons from a data deep dive

The athletic departments of the Big Ten’s 16 public universities spent nearly $3 billion during fiscal year 2024. How much did they make?

www.nytimes.com

And they had one fewer home football game which greatly impacts the bottom line, put a lot more $ to capital improvements that you don’t see in the WNBA, haven’t lost money for 26 straight years, etc. Or are we thinking that Ohio State losing money means it’s a good model to follow for all businesses?

 

[Marshall2323]

I never watched a WNBA game. I tried not to miss a Fever game on TV because of CC. I am amazed at how she sees the court and her passing skills. I think we may see her surge in the 3 point area, as I can imagine her legs were pretty fatigued after back to back seasons.

 

[kgilbert78]

Along those lines, Columbus has had a pro women's volleyball team for a two years now. I like volleyball, but I've not gone. The tickets are too pricy for me. Cheapest ticket is $24. I would give it a go at $10-15.

 

[Omar81]

 

[bdgan]

And they had one fewer home football game which greatly impacts the bottom line, put a lot more $ to capital improvements that you don’t see in the WNBA, haven’t lost money for 26 straight years, etc. Or are we thinking that Ohio State losing money means it’s a good model to follow for all businesses?

OSU is one of the highest valued teams. I'm just pointing out how much it costs to have a profitable product. Very few colleges have profitable athletic departments.

The WNBA isn't close to being profitable. Where is the money for higher salaries supposed to come from?

 

[kgilbert78]

OSU is one of the highest valued teams. I'm just pointing out how much it costs to have a profitable product. Very few colleges have profitable athletic departments.

The WNBA isn't close to being profitable. Where is the money for higher salaries supposed to come from?

The NBA, of course.

 

[saturdaysarebetter]

There haven't been as many individuals putting up bricks since the building of the Great Wall of China.

 

[BobPSU92]

 

[bdgan]

The NBA, of course.

How much are they willing to pour into the WNBA?

Nearly half of the NBA teams lose money.

What happens when 30 NBA owners can't share $24 billion?

According to internal NBA documents, big spending after a massive influx of cash has set off an intense debate among owners about how to divide revenues. Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst report on the NBA's financial picture.

www.espn.com

 

[MtNittany]

The WNBA could introduce profit sharing into the player's contracts. Oh wait...

 

[Erial_Lion]

How much are they willing to pour into the WNBA?

Nearly half of the NBA teams lose money.

What happens when 30 NBA owners can't share $24 billion?

According to internal NBA documents, big spending after a massive influx of cash has set off an intense debate among owners about how to divide revenues. Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst report on the NBA's financial picture.

www.espn.com

That article tells me that 9 of 30 franchises lost money nearly a decade ago. This one tells me that 2 of 30 lost money last year (and that ignores franchise appreciation, which likely turns losers into huge winners some day).

https://basketnews.com/news-219718-2-nba-franchises-lost-money-during-last-season.html#:~:text=Milwuakee%20Bucks%20and%20Los%20Angeles,of%2030%20generating%20in%20plus.&text=According%20to%20evaluations%20by%20CNBC,Help%20us%20even%20more.&text=Comments:,Be%20the%20first%20to%20comment!

 

[[email protected]]

9 of 30 is nearly half?

wut………

 

[BobPSU92]

9 of 30 is nearly half?

wut………

It’s more nearly half than 5 of 30.

 

[Midnighter]

Any women on this board commenting here? Just curious.

 

[kgilbert78]

How much are they willing to pour into the WNBA?

Nearly half of the NBA teams lose money.

What happens when 30 NBA owners can't share $24 billion?

According to internal NBA documents, big spending after a massive influx of cash has set off an intense debate among owners about how to divide revenues. Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst report on the NBA's financial picture.

www.espn.com

Of course. I was being sarcastic. But a number of folks expect "equity" in sports between men and women. That was the issue with US Soccer. They don't seem to consider revenue there, though.

 

[Moogy]

Any women on this board commenting here? Just curious.

Plenty of women on this board, no doubt ... but they're all too busy scouring the boards to find all your "Nude Chicks I Want To Bang" polls so they can get their votes in.

 

[Ludd]

I never watched a WNBA game. I tried not to miss a Fever game on TV because of CC. I am amazed at how she sees the court and her passing skills. I think we may see her surge in the 3 point area, as I can imagine her legs were pretty fatigued after back to back seasons.

She is amazing and now she will have a team around her. Could be a big year for the franchise.

 

[Psu00]

Everything I’ve read states they lost $40 million…which was better than the $50 million they were projected to lose.

Sooooo, you’re saying they “made” $10 million? (Isn’t that how state and federal government does it?).

 

[wbcbus]

Any women on this board commenting here? Just curious.

Who knows, why is that relevant?

 

[wbcbus]

Curious question is, in an unprofitable league, does someone who causes the league to lose $20mm instead of $50mm deserve to be paid more. I would say yes.

Also, expect salaries to rightfully go up soon. The WNBA is on the verge of profitability. Their ratings were way up this past year, and they signed a new TV rights deal in the neighborhood of $200mm a year I believe. League should become very profitable as that sets in.

 

[Midnighter]

Who knows, why is that relevant?

Ha. Perfect.

 

[Ludd]

Curious question is, in an unprofitable league, does someone who causes the league to lose $20mm instead of $50mm deserve to be paid more. I would say yes.

Also, expect salaries to rightfully go up soon. The WNBA is on the verge of profitability. Their ratings were way up this past year, and they signed a new TV rights deal in the neighborhood of $200mm a year I believe. League should become very profitable as that sets in.

The problem is their ratings were only significantly up in games that Caitlin Clark played. So if she gets hurt, their ratings will tank. That’s not really a good path to long term success.

 

[wbcbus]

Ha. Perfect.

Go ahead, offer an explanation. Guessing you won't.

 

[Midnighter]

Go ahead, offer an explanation. Guessing you won't.

I said I was curious. Sad to see your discourse these days. On ignore. Keep yappin’.