Current:Home > NewsCaitlin Clark set to make $338K in WNBA. How much do No. 1 picks in other sports make? -EquityZone
Caitlin Clark set to make $338K in WNBA. How much do No. 1 picks in other sports make?
View
Date:2025-04-12 19:09:20
A lot of eyes will be on Indiana Fever rookie guard Caitlin Clark this season as she makes her professional debut in the WNBA next month.
In the meantime, other aspects of Clark's life have been picked apart, mainly how much money she will make on and off the court as the No. 1 overall selection in the WNBA draft.
While her endorsements, such as Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, Xfinity, and Panini, will net her millions of dollars, her WNBA salary will be a fraction of that because of the terms set in the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement. Clark will be making a total of $338,056 in her first four years in the league, which includes a fourth-year option.
Here is how much compensation other No. 1 overall picks in other sports earned during their rookie campaign:
Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
Wembanyama signed a four-year, $55.17 million deal after being taken No. 1 overall in the 2023 NBA draft. Wembanyama made $12.2 million during his rookie season and is the odds-on favorite to win Rookie of the Year after averaging 21.4 points, 10.6 rebounds, and a league-leading 3.6 blocks per game
Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers took Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, as the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He signed a four-year deal worth $38 million and got $24.6 million immediately after he signed his contract. Young had a rough rookie season, going 2–14 as a starter and throwing for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Jackson Holliday, Baltimore Orioles
Because 2023 No. 1 pick Paul Skenes has not made his debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Holliday will be the focus here, as the 2022's top selection was recently called up by the Orioles. He signed a $8.19 million signing bonus after he was drafted and will make $740,000 as a rookie this season. Holliday went 0 for 4 with two strikeouts in his MLB debut on April 10 and has one hit in his first 25 at-bats.
Connor Bedard, Chicago Blackhawks
The No. 1 pick in the 2023 NHL draft signed a three-year, $13.35 million deal with the Blackhawks and made $855,000 in base salary his rookie season. The 18-year-old Bedard had 22 goals and 39 assists this season for Chicago.
Ally Sentnor, Utah Royals
While the National Women's Soccer League increased its salary cap to $2.75 million in 2024, some of the top players are starting to receive a share of the pie.
Racheal Kundananji signed with Bay FC on a four-year, $2 million contract extension, while the Chicago Red Stars reportedly signed striker Mallory Swanson to a four-year, $2 million contract with a fifth-year option, and Houston Dash signed forward María Sánchez to a three-year, $1.5 million contract with an option for 2027.
Sentnor, the No. 1 pick by the Royals, signed a three-year deal with the team, and financial terms were not disclosed.
Taylor Heise, PWHL Minnesota
The Minnesota franchise selected Heise as its No. 1 pick in the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Her salary was not disclosed, but according to the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement, three players on each team's roster must make at least $80,000 a year, and the bottom nine players must make at least $35,000. The compensation also features a monthly $1,500 housing stipend and money for relocation costs.
veryGood! (6382)
Related
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Average rate on 30
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
Ranking
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
Recommendation
New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment