Local Sports Update – Stay Informed with Hometown News

The 2024 WNBA draft shattered records this year, drawing in a staggering 2.5 million viewers, the highest viewership in the league’s history. The buzz surrounding the new stars of women’s college basketball, including top pick Caitlin Clark, has ignited a conversation about the gender pay gap in professional basketball.

Clark, along with fellow rookies Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Rickea Jackson, is set to earn a rookie salary of $76,535 in her first season, with a total estimated earnings of $338,000 over four years. This pales in comparison to the salaries of their male counterparts in the NBA, with top male rookies earning over $12 million in their first season.

The pay disparity in professional basketball has long been a point of contention, with many WNBA players forced to play overseas during the offseason to supplement their incomes. Players like Brianna Turner, who earned just $44,207 in her rookie season, have spoken out about the need for equal pay in the league.

Despite the challenges, the new draft class, along with the rise of college name, image, and likeness deals, are seen as potential game-changers for the WNBA. With record-breaking viewership numbers in the 2023 WNBA finals, experts believe that this influx of talent and attention could help propel the league to new heights.

As the WNBA gears up for its 28th season, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is optimistic about the future. “You need household names, rivalries, and games of consequence,” she said. “We’ve had that in the past couple of weeks, and hopefully, it will continue into the WNBA season.”