WNBA Star Caitlin Clark's Salary Soars Under New Labor Deal

Clark's pay set to jump over 500% as league's top players see dramatic pay increases.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a WNBA basketball game, with the players' forms fractured into overlapping planes of color and shape.The WNBA's new labor deal unlocks unprecedented earning potential for the league's top talents, like rising star Caitlin Clark, whose salary is set to skyrocket.Indianapolis Today

Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall draft pick for the Indiana Fever in 2024, is set to see her WNBA salary skyrocket from $85,000 last season to around $528,000 in 2026 thanks to the league's new collective bargaining agreement. The deal signals a major shift in WNBA economics, with team salary caps rising from $1.5 million to $7 million and the new supermax reaching $1.4 million. Clark's massive pay increase highlights how the league's top stars are finally starting to see salaries that better reflect their growing impact and popularity.

Why it matters

The WNBA's new labor deal represents a significant milestone for the league, allowing its biggest stars like Caitlin Clark to be compensated more in line with their on-court performance and off-court marketability. This is expected to help the WNBA attract and retain top talent, drive increased viewership and fan engagement, and further elevate the league's profile within the broader sports landscape.

The details

Under the new CBA, Clark's salary with the Indiana Fever is set to rise from $85,000 last season to around $528,000 in 2026 - a 521% increase. This dramatic pay hike is thanks to a new 'exceptional performance on initial contract' clause that allows eligible players who win MVP or make the All-WNBA Team in their first three seasons to max out their rookie-scale deals. Clark, the face of the league since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2024, is poised to qualify for this clause given her rapid rise to stardom.

  • Caitlin Clark was drafted No. 1 overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024.
  • Clark's rookie-scale contract paid her $85,000 in the 2025 season.
  • The WNBA and players' union finalized a new collective bargaining agreement in 2026.

The players

Caitlin Clark

The No. 1 overall draft pick by the Indiana Fever in 2024, who has emerged as one of the most recognizable athletes in the country and a key face of the WNBA.

Aliyah Boston

Clark's teammate on the Indiana Fever, who is also expected to see a major salary increase from $94,000 to around $574,000 under the new CBA.

Angel Reese

Clark's rival, who has helped drive increased attention and interest in the WNBA through their on-court matchups.

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What’s next

The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled to take place in New York later this month, where the league's new pay structure will be on full display for the incoming class of players.

The takeaway

The WNBA's landmark new labor deal represents a major shift in the league's economics, allowing its top stars like Caitlin Clark to be compensated in a way that better reflects their growing impact and value. This is expected to help the WNBA attract and retain elite talent, drive increased fan engagement, and further elevate the league's profile within the broader sports landscape.