Jemele Hill 'Annoyed' By Talk Of Caitlin Clark's WNBA Salary
16/04/2024 18:32
Matthew Eisman/Getty Images
As many expected, the Indiana Fever selected Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 overall pick in Monday's WNBA Draft.
The transcendent Iowa superstar has raised the profile of women's basketball at the college level, and she's expected to do the same as a professional.
The amount of Clark's rookie contract was revealed, and some fans were surprised to see how little she is slated to earn in comparison to top overall draft picks in men's sports.
Sports commentator Jemele Hill commented on the outrage around Clark's salary, pointing out that several WNBA players have advocated for better pay, only to be shot down by fans in the past.
"I'm already annoyed by this conversation because for years, WNBA players have fought for more money," Hill said on social media.
"And when they were outspoken, so many of y'all told them to shut up or reminded them how they had no value."
Hill pointed out that the NBA has operated for nearly three times the lifespan of the WNBA, allowing it to secure more funding and media coverage than the women's league.
Hill also noted that Clark will receive a free apartment and car, and that she will play around half the games (40) of a full NBA season (82) in each year of her four-year rookie deal.
"Weaponizing this information against WNBA players is another form of misogyny.
These women have been dreaming of playing professionally in front of American audiences their whole lives," Hill said.
"Instead of clowning and reminding them of what they're not — buy the merchandise, go to the games, and watch the games on television."
Clark is set to make just over $338,000 in salary over her four-year rookie contract.
For comparison, the NBA's most recent No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, is set to make just over $55 million over the next four years in salary alone.
Clark will be able to supplement her salary with endorsement deals, but the WNBA has a long way to go to catch up with the salaries being offered in other major American pro sports leagues.
