2024 WNBA Draft

Caitlin Clark secured the No. 1 spot in the 2024 WNBA Draft on Monday night. Here’s a breakdown of her inaugural professional contract:

After being selected, Clark and the Indiana Fever reached an agreement on a four-year deal valued at just over $338,000. By the contract’s conclusion, the former Iowa standout will earn slightly under $100,000.

As a rookie in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark is slated to earn $76,535. Her salary will gradually increase throughout the contract’s duration, reaching $78,066 in 2025 and $85,873 in 2026.

The final year of Clark’s contract includes an option for $97,582. Similar contracts were signed by the other top four picks in the 2024 draft.

How does Caitlin Clark’s contract compare to previous WNBA No. 1 pick?

The Indiana Fever’s selection of Caitlin Clark as the first overall pick marked their second consecutive year at the top. In 2023, they chose forward Aliyah Boston from South Carolina.

Comparing their contracts, Clark is poised to earn significantly more than the previous year’s top pick. When Boston was drafted in 2023, she inked a four-year deal valued at $233,468. In the second year of her contract, Boston’s earnings will be slightly lower than her new teammate’s.

By the conclusion of their contracts, Caitlin Clark and Boston will be pulling in roughly the same amount. Boston’s final year option sits at $94,740, while Clark will be earning $97,582.

Boston played a pivotal role for the Fever last season, earning an All-Star nod as a rookie. She appeared in all 40 games, boasting averages of 14.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. In addition to her All-Star selection, Boston was also crowned Rookie of the Year.

The Fever struggled last season, finishing with one of the worst records in the WNBA at 13-27. Only the Seattle Storm (11-29) and Phoenix Mercury (9-31) had fewer wins.

With two top picks, Indiana has an opportunity to reverse their fortunes. Boston has already displayed promise and will soon be joined by Clark. These two players will serve as the cornerstones for Indiana as they aim to ascend into contention.

While some speculate that Clark may face a reality check, others are eagerly anticipating her transition to the professional ranks. If she replicates her success from Iowa, her next contract is likely to see a significant increase.