Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, the standout rookie in the WNBA since making the move from the Iowa Hawkeyes, is making waves not just on the court but also in the business world. Recent reports reveal her commanding speaking fees, highlighting her immense market value and exposing the stark financial disparities within women’s basketball.

Clark charges an eye-popping $75,000 for a single speaking engagement, eclipsing her WNBA rookie salary, which is capped at $74,305 under the league’s current collective bargaining agreement. In essence, Clark can earn more in 30 minutes delivering a speech than she does in an entire season competing at the highest level of professional basketball.

Clark’s popularity soared during her collegiate career at Iowa, and she has since gone on to make record-breaking performances in the WNBA, in the process becoming a household name with her exceptional scoring ability and clutch plays. She continues to excel in the top level of women’s basketball, enabling her to leverage significant income streams outside the sport. However, as ever, there is a debate that circulates when it comes to off-field revenues in comparison to on-field salary.

The news about her mega payday off the court again brings into question some of the wider challenges in the WNBA‘s financial structure. Despite progress in player compensation and league visibility, many athletes still find greater earning potential through ancillary avenues such as endorsements, NIL deals, and appearances.

Controversy about fees not for the first time

This isn’t the first time that there has been a debate about WNBA players’ off-court fees. A’ja Wilson, the reigning WNBA MVP, reportedly charges $110,000 for virtual appearances, while Clark, known for her breakout performances last season, was said to charge $100,000.