Caitlin Clark has spoken out after the WNBA chief 'said she should be grateful' over her pay.
The WNBA finals may start on Friday, but the debate over salaries continues to dominate the league. Following Minnesota Lynx's defeat in the semi-finals to Phoenix Mercury, Napheesa Collier used her post-game interview to take aim at the WNBA commissioner Cath Engelbert.
Collier said: “I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything.’”
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Clark's profile has been central to the league's rapid growth in recent years.
The Indiana Fever star has regularly drawn large crowds and big television audiences.
Many fans have credited her as a major factor behind the league securing a huge 11-year media rights deal. Despite her impact, Indiana Fever fell short in the play-offs, losing 107-98 to the Las Vegas Aces, to lose the series 3-2.
On X, Clark posted: "So much to be proud of, shoutout the fans for staying with us all year."
Collier had an impactful year both on and off the court. She finished second in the MVP voting as she helped her team reach the WNBA semi-finals.
Off the court, she has served as a strong voice for players' rights through her role as vice president of the WNBPA, the players' union.
A WNBPA statement read: "Napheesa Collier is an outstanding leader and Officer of this Union. When Phee speaks, people listen.
"We are confident that her words today speak to the feelings and experiences of many, if not most or all of our members.
"The leaders of the league and its teams would benefit from listening to her powerful statement. The players know their value even if the league does not. They are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball."
Last year, Collier co-founded and then launched Unrivaled, the three versus three women's basketball league, designed to give players more exposure and income during the off-season.
Its inaugural season ended in March and was regarded as a success,
With major investment from the likes of Warriors icon Steph Curry and tennis star Serena Williams, the competition has reached a valuation of $340 million ahead of the next campaign in January 2026.
Topics: Basketball, WNBA
James Taylor