The WNBA did not have autonomy in TV rights negotiations, as the NBA instead included women’s basketball in its own talks with ESPN, NBC and Amazon ahead of long-term agreements
The WNBA will reportedly enjoy a massive increase in TV revenue after a new set of deals kicks in for the 2026 season. However, the completed negotiations led by the NBA are not without risk.
Because the NBA owns a majority stake in the WNBA, it hashed out the financial details for the WNBA’s TV rights as part of talks surrounding the men’s product. According to The Athletic, that’s led to an 11-year, $2.2 billion windfall for the WNBA from broadcasters ESPN, NBC and Amazon. The annual value of about $200 million would dwarf the WNBA’s current TV revenue of approximately $50 million per year.
Biden added: “It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve.”
In total, Clark’s first WNBA contract is set in stone at four years, $338,056. Pay in professional women’s sports has long been an issue discussed in a tight-knit community of players, coaches and fans, but the rapid growth of women’s basketball over the past year has perhaps brought the conversation to a broader group of people.
Contrary to widespread belief, WNBA players generally haven’t advocated for equal pay as NBA players, who receive many millions of dollars even when they’re role players. Instead, advocates call for WNBA athletes to receive a similar percentage of league revenue compared to NBA stars.
In college at Iowa, Clark’s record-breaking play drew sellout crowds and helped elevate the sport. Already, it seems she’ll bring her fanfare to the WNBA. Indiana game ticket prices have gone through the roof since the Fever drafted Clark at No. 1.
Clark has earned praise for carrying herself well despite massive scrutiny on her every move. She led the Hawkeyes to the 2024 NCAA national championship game amid wall-to-wall media coverage.
She carried a heavy load for our sport, and it’s not going to stop here… when she’s the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft, she’s going to lift that league as well,” said South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley following the title game. “So Caitlin Clark, if you’re out there, you are one of the GOATs of our game! And we appreciate you.”
The Fever begin their 2024 WNBA season on May 14 with a visit to the Connecticut Sun before hosting the New York Liberty on May 16. Clark is expected to contribute at a high level almost immediately.
“I believe she will put up MVP-caliber numbers as a rookie,” ex-WNBA star Rebecca Lobo wrote on X earlier this year. “While her opponents will be at a different skill level than in college, her teammates will be at another level as well. Her game translates.”
