Caitlin Clarke Among Other WNBA Players Owing NBA $40 Million
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U.S. — What looked like an innocent protest from women basketball players led by Caitlin Clarke, turned ugly pretty quickly after it was revealed that WNBA players owe NBA $40 million.
Players were surprised to learn that their game (WNBA) made a $40 million loss in 2024, which they now have to pay back, and it won’t be making a profit for many years to come.
“My bad,” said WNBA player Caitlin Clarke. “We are stopping this protest, and I accept the $78,066 salary I will be receiving this year.”
Caitlin Clarke’s WNBA rookie contract may seem low given her rise to fame but don’t be fooled, she has signed a deal with Nike worth $28 million. She also has deals with Gatorade, State Farm, and others. Earning $11 million in endorsements in 2025, from a game that is making a $40 million loss annually, does not justify a protest.
“We are sending Caitlin Clarke an invoice for $40 million,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “Because we should be the ones protesting for making a loss.”
At publishing time, the owners of WNBA teams have agreed to pay NBA $40 million, which will be taken out of the players’ salary.