President Biden weighed in tonight on the pay gap between pro women athletes and their male counterparts.
In a social media post, Biden wrote, “Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all. But right now we're seeing that even if you're the best, women are not paid their fair share. It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve.”
The post comes on the heels of the WNBA Draft and the reality that No. 1 overall pick Caitlin Clark will make $76,000 as a rookie in the first year of her contract with the Indiana Fever. Her four-year deal is worth around $340,000. Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft last year, was expected to earn more than $12 million in salary as a rookie with the Spurs.
Here is the year-by-year breakdown, according to the league’s CBA:
- 2024: $76,535
- 2025: $78,066
- 2026: $85,873
- 2027: $97,582
The WNBA also signs some players to Player Marketing Agreements in which a player can make an additional $250,000, according to the Associated Press, to work with brands tied to the league or work as an ambassador at league events.
Clark is expected to make more than $3 million in brand deals with sponsors including State Farm, Nike and Gatorade, among others. She is repped
by Excel Sports Management.
