Why will Caitlin Clark earn in one year what Diana Taurasi earned in her entire career? Clark has made waves in the world of American sports.

Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark and Phoenix Mercury icon Diana…

The impact Caitlin Clark has had on women’s basketball is transcending the court. It’s been over two decades since a figure with Clark’s level of cultural impact has emerged in the WNBA, eclipsing even stars from other sports.

Before her, the WNBA’s leading figure was Diana Taurasi, the legendary player who secured three championships and holds the league’s all-time scoring record with 10,108 points amassed during a career that paved the way for new stars like Clark and Angel Reese.

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However, Clark’s influence has also extended to the economic realm, sparking recent discussions comparing Taurasi’s career earnings to Clark’s current income on social media.

Recently, controversy erupted over the disparity in salaries between players like Clark, who will earn less than $400,000 annually in her first year, and NBA players who earn millions. Nevertheless, Clark is leveraging her popularity through NIL (name, image, and likeness), allowing college athletes to earn money from external sponsorships.

Too much disparity among stars?

Taurasi, still active with the Phoenix Mercury, boasts a net worth of $3.5 million accumulated over her 20-year career. Regarded as the “White Mamba,” Taurasi remains a GOAT in women’s basketball circles.

However, this figure pales compared to the $28 million Caitlin Clark will earn over eight years solely from her association with Nike, which will release a shoe inspired by her. In other words, through this single sponsorship, Clark will earn $3.5 million annually, matching Taurasi’s earnings over two decades.

Is it unfair? Many might argue yes, but the reality is both athletes played in different eras. Until three years ago, there was no NIL, which now enables NCAA athletes to earn money they previously couldn’t in amateurism. Clark is simply capitalizing on current rules to secure her financial future, though there will always be debate over whether players like Taurasi should have earned more for their contributions on the court. The answer is yes, but Caitlin isn’t to blame for that.