Breaking News:Caitlin Clark’s potential WNBA contract might come sooner than expected

Caitlin Clark, who holds the record as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, has announced that she will be entering the 2024 WNBA Draft. Clark has decided to forgo a fifth year at the college level, which has led to speculation about a potential pay cut compared to what she currently earns through NIL deals.

Clark, the point guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, was awarded an additional year after the COVID-19 pandemic impacted her freshman year and has built a roster of impressive endorsements.

Clark’s estimated NIL valuation is $3.5 million, ranking fourth behind Bronny James, Shedeur Sanders, and Livvy Dunne, according to On3 NIL

Fans were shocked to learn that Caitlin Clark, one of the best college basketball players of all time, would potentially earn less than $80,000 in a WNBA rookie contract as the top pick. Despite this, fans are quick to point out that her jersey sales alone will most likely bring in millions for the professional team she joins

Clark has stated that her major sponsors will not drop her when she turns pro, and it is likely that her deals will continue to grow as she advances to the next level, squashing the storyline that she will lose money going to the WNBA.

Hawkeye’s college basketball star Caitlin Clark has set numerous records during her time in Iowa, including becoming the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer in men’s and women’s basketball by surpassing Pete Maravich’s record at LSU. Clark has also surpassed AIAW all-time leader scorer, Lynette Woodard and NCAA’s women’s all-time leading scorer Kelsey Plum.

Clark is the first Iowa women’s basketball player to be named First Team All-Big Ten in four years, was named the consensus Big Ten Player of the Year by coaches and media.