Stephen Jackson is sounding a cautionary note to the WNBA, urging the league to heed players’ demands as Caitlin Clark garners increasing attention.

During a conversation on the “All The Smoke” podcast with Matt Barnes, Jackson highlighted Clark’s potential impact on the WNBA and suggested that the league should take notice. He expressed concerns about the potential consequences for the WNBA if players like Clark start demanding more from the league.

Jackson highlighted an offer reportedly extended to Clark from the Big3 league, valued at $5 million, as evidence of the potential financial opportunities available to players outside the WNBA. He suggested that Clark’s popularity could open doors for players to seek better compensation elsewhere, posing a potential threat to the WNBA’s ability to retain its top talent.

“If it’s an opportunity for a lady that’s playing in college basketball and she can go overseas and make five or 10 million, we might not see her in the WNBA,” Jackson said.

“I hope this is waking the WNBA up to see how important women like Caitlin is for basketball. You got to give them what they are worth now and stop making them wait.” [8:49 – 9:05]

Caitlin Clark’s estimated earnings from her NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals stand at approximately $3.1 million, placing her fourth among all collegiate athletes. She follows closely behind Bronny James (USC – Basketball), Shedeur Sanders (Colorado – Football), and Livvy Dunne (LSU – Gymnastics) as the top earners.

As the anticipated first overall pick in the upcoming WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, Clark’s reported rookie year salary is around $74,000. However, with the Big3 league extending a $5 million offer for her participation in 10 games this summer, concerns arise regarding the WNBA’s ability to retain top talent.

Should Clark decline the offer, there remains the possibility that other collegiate stars could follow suit, opting to skip the WNBA altogether. Nonetheless, Clark’s immense popularity may provide a silver lining, potentially bolstering the struggling league and propelling it to newfound heights of popularity.

Caitlin Clark’s effect on WNBA already felt by Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever is poised to select Caitlin Clark as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, joining forces with last year’s first-overall pick, Aliyah Boston. Even before hitting the court, Clark’s influence is evident as the Fever’s national television schedule reflects her popularity.

The league’s recent announcement reveals that 36 out of the Fever’s 40 regular-season games will be broadcast nationally. Fans can catch Clark in action on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, CBS, NBA TV, and Amazon Prime Video.

Moreover, ticket prices for Indiana Fever road games have surged compared to matchups against other teams, underscoring the anticipation surrounding Clark’s arrival and its impact on demand for Fever games.