Caitlin Clark Joins the Fight as WNBA Salary Tensions Boil Over
Caitlin Clark is done sitting quietly. Amid growing frustration over WNBA salaries, fueled by rival Angel Reese’s vocal complaints, Clark is stepping up to play her part in shaping the league’s future.
Reese recently reignited the pay gap discussion after earning $50,000 from the new Unrivaled women’s basketball league, which pays players an average of $220,000—more than what many WNBA rookies make in a full season. Her message was clear: the WNBA needs to pay better, and it needs to do it soon.
Clark, though not a team representative, is getting involved in the next round of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations taking place in Indianapolis. And while she’s still new to the process, she’s eager to learn, and push forward.
“I’m not our team rep or on the committee,” Clark said, “but I’m still trying to understand and engage as much as possible.”
Read More: Why the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Rivalry Might Be Hurting the WNBA
Why the CBA Talks Matter More Than Ever
The current CBA will expire after the 2025 season, and last October, the WNBPA opted out, signaling players’ growing frustration. Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty voiced the mood perfectly:
“Absolutely frustrated… They kind of just ignored everything we said.”
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike believes in-person negotiations could speed things up, while WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert remains cautiously optimistic:
“We’ll get something done, and it’ll be transformational.”
The stakes? Everything from better salaries and travel conditions to long-term league sustainability.
Clark, 22, has become one of the WNBA’s biggest names, and her willingness to step into the conversation adds momentum to the players’ demands. Despite battling injuries, she’s focused on pushing the league toward real change.
“This is a very important time for our league, and where it’s going to grow,” she said.
With rising stars like Reese and Clark leading the charge, and negotiations heating up, the league faces a defining moment. One that could finally bring WNBA players the pay, and respect, they’ve long deserved.
Read More: Paige Bueckers Joins Caitlin Clark in Historic WNBA Rookie Club
