PRESSED FOR MONEY ‘How has this happened?’ – WNBA mascot will earn more money than Caitlin Clark this season with salary revealed

Clark is not close to the WNBA’s highest-paid contract for a sole reason

A WNBA mascot will be making more cash than WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark this season – and fans can’t believe it.

The salary of a mascot for a new WNBA team has been revealed.

2

Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark is preparing to play in her second season in the WNBA next monthCredit: Getty

2

It’s been recently revealed that the 23-year-old Clark will earn less money than a new WNBA team mascotCredit: Getty
The Indiana Fever guard Clark will be preparing for his second season in the league after winning the 2024 Rookie of the Year award.

The 23-year-old will earn $78,066 in 2025 – the usual base salary for a second-year player in the WNBA.

So, Clark is due to make $40 an hour if you convert her salary to the standard 40-hour week.

The WNBA’s newest franchise, the Golden State Valkyries, will prepare for their first season in the league, and they are set to fill positions on their new staff.

One of the positions is the team’s gameday mascot, as the job advertisement, which is posted on TeamWork Online, shows that the part-time position will have a higher hourly salary than Clark’s.

The San Francisco-based team will pay between $130 and $160 an hour to an individual who will rock the costume several days a week.

WNBA fans were shocked to find out the mascot’s salary is more than triple Clark’s salary.

“I think Clark might end up applying to the job,” one wrote.

“$160 an hour? They definitely shooting you out of a cannon!” another commented.

“Triple of Caitlin Clarks salary to be a mascot,” a third said.

Fortunately for Clark, she has other avenues of earning money.

The NCAA all-time leading scorer has numerous endorsement deals as she will end up earning more than anyone at the Valkyries, whether it’s a player, mascot, or other role.

Nonetheless, Clark’s WNBA earnings only show how low rookie salaries are given out by the league.

Last year, Clark earned $76,535 – $1.5K less than her second-year salary.

In 2026, the then-third-year player will make $85,873.

And Clark will earn $97,582 in 2027 if she accepts a fourth-year option.

Currently, the highest-paid WNBA player is Clark’s teammate, veteran Kelsey Mitchell, who will make $249,244 this year.

Clark, the Valkyries, and the rest of the WNBA teams will begin their season next month.

Iowa City, IA – The roaring success of women’s basketball, fueled by the magnetic talent of players like Caitlin Clark, is simultaneously shedding light on a stark reality: the significant pay disparities within the WNBA. While Clark, a household name and arguably the face of the sport, earns a base salary of $78,066, the revelation that a WNBA mascot can command upwards of $160 per hour has ignited renewed debate surrounding fair compensation for professional female athletes.

The disparity, initially reported by several outlets and fueled by social media discourse, underlines a persistent challenge within the league. Clark’s salary, averaging roughly $40 an hour, stands in stark contrast to the earning potential of a team mascot, who can rake in between $130 and $160 per hour. This discrepancy raises fundamental questions about the WNBA’s pay standards and the valuation of its star players, even those who command national attention.

Despite the seemingly low base salary, Clark’s marketability is undeniable. Her endorsement portfolio includes a landmark $28 million deal with Nike, illustrating her immense value and brand recognition. This endorsement windfall underscores a crucial point: while Clark may be financially secure thanks to off-court opportunities, the fundamental issue of inadequate league compensation remains a barrier for many WNBA players who don’t possess the same level of marketability.

The WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), while representing incremental progress in player compensation, has not kept pace with the skyrocketing value of its star athletes. Although the CBA has introduced improvements, the prevailing sentiment is that it falls short of reflecting the true worth of players who drive viewership, merchandise sales, and overall league growth. The increasing visibility of stars like Clark, coupled with a burgeoning fanbase, is putting pressure on the league to address these disparities.

Looking ahead, the WNBA is poised for significant changes in its salary structure and revenue sharing model. The current CBA includes a mutual opt-out clause after the 2025 season, presenting players with a critical opportunity to leverage their growing popularity and fan support to demand better earnings. The potential renegotiation could pave the way for a more equitable distribution of revenue, allowing player salaries to more accurately reflect their contribution to the league’s success.

The impact of coaching also plays a significant role in the development and rise of players like Caitlin Clark. Lisa Bluder, who recently announced her retirement as Iowa Women’s Basketball Head Coach, and Jan Jensen, Iowa’s current Head Coach, have undoubtedly propelled the success of the Iowa program, leading the team to two NCAA championship games in 2023 and 2024. Harmon’s coaching prowess extended beyond tactical strategies, nurturing Clark’s rise to superstardom and showcasing the profound impact of effective player development. This highlights the importance of strong coaching in shaping player success and contributing to the overall appeal of the sport.

During Harmon’s time at Iowa, her strategic vision and player mentorship were instrumental in securing back-to-back national championship appearances and Big Ten tournament wins, solidifying the team’s status as a national powerhouse. Her coaching philosophy, rooted in fostering trust and belief among athletes, created an environment where growth and success flourished. Harmon often acknowledged the influence of her mentors, emphasizing the crucial role of support and inspiration in shaping her own coaching career.

The ongoing debate surrounding player compensation is not just about individual salaries, but about the long-term sustainability and growth of the WNBA. By addressing the pay disparities and ensuring that players are fairly compensated for their talents and contributions, the league can attract and retain top talent, further enhance its appeal, and secure its position as a premier professional sports league. The current spotlight on Caitlin Clark’s salary, though perhaps initially jarring, serves as a catalyst for much-needed dialogue and potential reform within the WNBA, promising a more equitable and sustainable future for its athletes.