In a historic turn of events, the women’s final March Madness game shattered records with over 18 million viewers, surpassing even the viewership of the men’s final game. “We are witnessing a transformative moment in sports, one that may not come around again for generations,” remarked WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Support for the WNBA is on the rise.”

This surge in viewership has reignited discussions about the glaring pay disparities between the WNBA and the NBA. Rookie sensations such as Caitlin Clark, Kamila Cardoso, and Rickea Jackson are projected to earn an average salary of $76,535 this season, according to SPOTRAC, a platform specializing in team payrolls and player contracts.

However, this figure pales in comparison to the salaries of last year’s top three picks in the NBA rookie class, who commanded an average of approximately $10 million per year. The stark contrast underscores the ongoing challenges faced by women athletes in achieving equitable compensation compared to their male counterparts.

Noah Henderson, a professor at Loyola University’s Quinlan School of Business, sheds light on the correlation between athlete pay and media revenue. He emphasizes that professional athletes’ salaries are directly tied to the revenue generated by the league’s media deals and viewership. As viewership increases, so does the potential for higher earnings.

Henderson points out a significant surge in viewership, noting that 2.5 million people tuned in to watch the WNBA draft, a fivefold increase from the previous year. This uptick in viewership hints at a promising future for the league, with the potential for increased media deals and subsequently higher player salaries.

Another factor contributing to pay inequity between the WNBA and NBA is the collective bargaining agreements between the players’ unions and the respective leagues. These agreements dictate the share of revenue allocated to players, further exacerbating the disparities.

While high-profile players like Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese stand to benefit from lucrative endorsement deals, many WNBA players supplement their incomes by playing overseas during the off-season.

The anticipation surrounding the upcoming WNBA season is also driving up ticket prices for games, particularly those featuring star players like Clark. Ticket prices for an upcoming Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game, featuring Clark’s debut, have more than tripled in cost, reflecting the heightened excitement among fans.

Steve Buzil, owner of Sitclose ticket brokerage, highlights the enthusiasm among Chicago sports fans, emphasizing the positive impact of star players like Clark on the city’s sports scene.

Overall, the increased attention and support for women’s college basketball and the WNBA signify a significant shift in perception. With more televised games and rising stars, women’s basketball is no longer being overlooked, but instead celebrated and embraced by fans across the country. Chris Bleck of ESPN 1000 Chicago echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the potential for excitement and success as the league continues to grow.