WNBA rookie contracts in 2025 are under the spotlight. Find out how much players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese earn in their first season.
There’s a growing spotlight on WNBA rookie contracts in 2025, and fans are asking one big question: How much do top players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese actually make? With packed arenas, rising TV ratings, and massive social media buzz, you’d think WNBA salaries are skyrocketing—but the numbers might surprise you.
Let’s dive into the current WNBA pay structure, how rookie deals work, and why there’s so much pressure to evolve as women’s basketball 2025 continues its explosive growth.
The Breakdown: 2025 WNBA Rookie Salary Scale
Under the current WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) signed in 2020, rookie salaries are determined by draft position. Here’s the breakdown for 2025:
| Draft Position | Base Salary (2025) | Contract Length | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Overall | $76,535 | 3 years + team option | Year 4 team option |
| Top 4 Picks | $76,535 | 3 years + team option | Same as above |
| Picks 5–8 | $73,439 | 3 years + team option | Same |
| Picks 9–12 | $70,344 | 3 years + team option | Same |
| Second Round | ~$68,000 | 1–2 years | Variable |
| Undrafted FA | ~$64,000–$68,000 | 1 year | Non-guaranteed |
So yes, Caitlin Clark, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick, is making just $76,535 this season—less than many NBA waterboys, as fans like to joke.
Why the Pay Gap Feels Bigger Than Ever in 2025
Clark’s arrival, along with other marketable rookies like Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso, and Hailey Van Lith, has brought in:
- Millions of new fans
- Record-breaking jersey sales
- Sellout crowds in cities like Chicago and Indianapolis
So naturally, fans are questioning why these players are earning less than six figures from their teams.
Add in the fact that many male NBA rookies make $10+ million in their first year, and the contrast becomes impossible to ignore.
The Power of Endorsements: How Caitlin Clark Is Still Winning
Here’s where things get interesting—rookies like Clark are cashing in off the court.
Estimated 2025 endorsement earnings:
- Caitlin Clark: Over $3 million via Nike, State Farm, and Gatorade
- Angel Reese: ~$2 million from Reebok, Beats by Dre, Amazon
- Kamilla Cardoso: Endorsement deals with Adidas and Puma
Even though their WNBA checks are small, these deals turn top rookies into multi-millionaires—and further boost the league’s visibility.
TV Ratings Reflect the Star Power
Thanks to the 2025 rookie class, WNBA TV ratings are up 64% year-over-year, according to Nielsen.
Key numbers:
- Fever vs. Sky (Clark vs. Reese): 1.6 million viewers on ABC
- Clark’s debut: Most-watched WNBA debut ever at 2.1 million
- All-Star voting up 43% from 2024
These numbers add fuel to the pay equity fire. If the product is thriving, why isn’t the pay catching up?
WNBA News: Is Salary Reform Coming Soon?
Good news: The league is listening. According to a June 2025 report from ESPN, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that rookie compensation is a key agenda item for the 2026 CBA renegotiations.
Fan pressure, media scrutiny, and player advocacy are speeding up discussions.
“We’re proud of our growth, but we know pay has to reflect the value our players bring,” Engelbert told ESPN.
The Rookie Contract vs. the Reality of Travel, Housing, and Costs
WNBA rookies aren’t just making less—they also face different logistical realities than their NBA counterparts.
Many WNBA players still deal with:
- Commercial travel (though charter flights are increasing in 2025)
- Shared housing or team apartments
- Short offseasons due to overseas play
Luckily, top rookies like Clark and Reese have access to private arrangements through endorsements—but others do not.
Fan Reactions: From Frustration to Activism
Social media continues to amplify the pay conversation. Some top reactions include:
“Caitlin Clark makes $76K to sell out arenas? That’s criminal.” – @HoopsJustice
“Rookies should be getting at least six figures. Period.” – @WNBAWoke
“If you can sell out the Garden, you deserve more than 80K.” – Reddit user u/FullCourtPressure
This grassroots advocacy is putting real pressure on league executives and sponsors.
What Players Are Saying About Rookie Salaries
Some WNBA vets have joined the conversation. In a recent podcast, Skylar Diggins-Smith said:
“We’re in a moment of transformation. These rookies are helping to build the league—now the league has to invest in them.”
Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark remains focused:
“I love this league. The money stuff will sort itself out. I’m just here to hoop.” – via The Athletic
Final Thoughts: The Time to Reform WNBA Rookie Contracts Is Now
The current WNBA rookie contract system is outdated for where the league is headed. As viewership climbs and superstars like Caitlin Clark bring in millions of new fans, it’s only right that rookie pay evolves too.
2025 is the year the conversation got too loud to ignore. The next step? Real action in the 2026 CBA.
💬 What Do You Think?
Should rookies like Clark and Reese earn more? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this with your hoops community, and subscribe for more weekly takes on the WNBA.
FAQs
1. How much do WNBA rookies make in 2025?
Top picks like Caitlin Clark earn about $76,535 under the current rookie contract scale.
2. Why is Caitlin Clark making so little in the WNBA?
The WNBA has a structured salary cap and CBA, which limits rookie salaries. However, she earns millions through endorsements.
3. Are rookie contracts guaranteed in the WNBA?
First-round picks typically receive guaranteed contracts for 3 years with a team option for the 4th year.
4. Is the WNBA planning to raise rookie salaries?
Discussions are underway ahead of the 2026 CBA negotiations, but no changes are official yet.
5. Where can I learn more about WNBA salaries?
Check out HerHoopStats and the WNBA CBA summary for detailed breakdowns.
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