Tim McGraw shows off Caitlin Clark Indiana Fever jersey during Indianapolis concert
Caitlin Clark fever continues to sweep over the entire nation. The women’s basketball star is one of the more popular figures to come along in their sport in quite some time, maybe ever.
And since she was recently the No. 1 overall selection for the Indiana Fever of the WNBA, people simply cannot wait to wear her jersey. Country music legend Tim McGraw didn’t want to wait to capitalize on the star’s popularity in a concert he had on Thursday night in Indianapolis, Indiana. McGraw wore Clark’s No. 22 Indiana Fever jersey on stage during his show, looking rather shredded while doing so.
Caitlin Clark rookie contract with Indiana Fever revealed
Caitlin Clark’s rookie contract has been revealed after the former Iowa star was selected with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever.
Spotrac revealed the scale, which features an increase in pay each season. Clark also has an option for her fourth season, which begins in 2027.
Clark’s rookie salary starts at a little over $76,000.
According to Spotrac, Clark will make $76,535 in her first year of a four-year, $338,056 contract with the Fever. It’ll increase to $78,066 in Year 2 and $85,873 in Year 3.
As far as the 2024 season, Clark can make $97,582 if the option is picked up.
Clark’s NIL valuation was $3.4 million, which is her annual value (roster and NIL), at Iowa. She ranked No. 1 overall among women’s college basketball players.
In fact, Clark was No. 4 on the On3 NIL 100 while she suited up for the Hawkeyes. She only trailed Shedeur Sanders (Colorado QB), Bronny James (USC PG and son of LeBron James) and LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne.
Now keep in mind, Clark has endorsement deals with State Farm and Gatorade, where she regularly appears in commercials. Those will certainly carry over to her pro career.
She spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe after holding up her new Indiana Fever jersey on stage.
“I got a little anxious there before the pick but I think more than anything, just grateful and lucky to have my family here, my friends over there, coaches up here, so I think just enjoying the moment,” Clark said on the ESPN broadcast. “Like you said, like I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was in second grade and it’s taken a lot of hard work, a lot of ups and downs but more than anything, just trying to soak it in.”
As far as Clark’s responsibilities now, she’ll likely be the face of the franchise immediately.
“Yeah, I think the biggest thing is like they have such a good roster and that’s what I’m excited about,” Clark said. “Like you said like there are winning franchise. You know, I’m excited to get there. I’m excited to get to Indianapolis. I know there’s a lot of people … supporting the picks that we’re gonna make so you know, (hopefully they’ll be) supporting all summer long and you got to buy your tickets.
“(It’s going to be) be a hot ticket but I think the biggest thing is just do me, have fun, smile. I’ve loved playing basketball since I was young girl and that’s not going to change.”
On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article.