Outrage Sparks as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese Earn Less Than Retail Store Managers — How the WNBA’s Pay Gap Is Failing the Game’s Brightest Stars

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In what many fans and analysts are calling a national disgrace, two of the most recognizable names in American sports — Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese — are reportedly earning less than the average retail store manager. That’s not a punchline. It’s reality in the current world of women’s professional basketball.

Both Clark and Reese have broken viewership records, sold out arenas, trended globally, and generated millions in media value for the WNBA. Yet, their official league salaries are so modest that they wouldn’t cover rent in many major U.S. cities — let alone reflect their market value.

This article dives deep into the numbers, the reasons behind the pay gap, the history of compensation in women’s sports, and why this could be a make-or-break moment for the WNBA and the future of women athletes in America.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese: The Icons Leading a New Era

Caitlin Clark, the Iowa sensation and No. 1 WNBA draft pick of 2024, has been hailed as a generational talent. Her long-range shooting, court vision, and competitiveness have captivated fans across all demographics. She’s not just a player; she’s a movement.

Angel Reese, nicknamed the “Bayou Barbie,” took the NCAA world by storm with her charisma, dominance, and unapologetic confidence. As the No. 7 pick in the 2024 draft, she’s quickly become one of the WNBA’s most-followed stars on social media and one of its biggest fan draws.

Together, Clark and Reese are revolutionizing what it means to be a female athlete in America — diverse, outspoken, brilliant, and influential. And yet, they are being paid pennies on the dollar compared to their male counterparts — and even less than some mid-level retail supervisors.

The Numbers That Sparked a Firestorm

Let’s look at the hard facts.

According to WNBA contracts and public reporting:

Caitlin Clark’s rookie salary is $76,535 per year.
Angel Reese’s rookie salary is $73,439 per year.

Compare that to:

The average Walmart store manager, who earns $128,000 per year.
The NBA’s average rookie salary, which exceeds $1 million per year.
A first-year software engineer at Google, who may earn over $150,000.

And perhaps the most jarring comparison of all:

WNBA stars earn less than the average U.S. high school athletic director, who makes around $85,000 annually.

So what gives? How can two of the most culturally impactful athletes of the decade — women who are literally putting fans in seats and eyes on the product — earn less than people managing aisles at Target?

The WNBA Pay Structure: A Broken System?

The WNBA, despite increasing popularity, still operates under an outdated salary cap system. In 2025, the league-wide salary cap is roughly $1.46 million per team, a tiny fraction of the NBA’s $136 million cap.

This low ceiling severely limits what teams can offer even their biggest stars.

Moreover, rookie salaries are fixed under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA). No matter how many jerseys they sell or how many fans tune in, players like Clark and Reese are locked into these contracts for at least four years unless renegotiated — and even then, raises are incremental.

Critics argue this structure punishes excellence and limits the league’s growth potential. “You can’t grow a billion-dollar brand while paying your superstars minimum wage,” one former WNBA executive told ESPN anonymously.

Merch, Media, and Millions — But Not for the Players

Ironically, the financial ecosystem around Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese is booming.

Clark’s jersey became the fastest-selling in WNBA history.
Reese’s merchandise routinely sells out online and in stadium shops.
The WNBA’s 2025 season opener featuring Clark broke viewership records with over 2.5 million viewers.
Angel Reese’s presence has been credited for a significant attendance boost in Chicago home games.

In short: the league is making money. The media is profiting. Sponsors are raking in visibility.

The only ones not cashing in?

The players.

So How Do They Actually Get Paid? A Look at Endorsements

Luckily, both Clark and Reese are supplementing their incomes through endorsement deals — a privilege many of their less-famous peers don’t enjoy.

Caitlin Clark has deals with Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, Panini, and more.
Angel Reese is backed by Reebok, Beats by Dre, Coach, Amazon, and Goldman Sachs.

These deals can be lucrative — in Clark’s case, her Nike contract alone is rumored to exceed $3 million annually, with additional performance bonuses.

But these aren’t league salaries. They’re external brand partnerships. What happens if sponsors dry up? Or if players aren’t in the spotlight?

The fact remains: WNBA players must rely on outside income to earn a livable wage — something that would be unthinkable for even a benchwarmer in the NBA.

The Double Standard: If the NBA Treated Its Stars Like This

Let’s play out a thought experiment:

Imagine if LeBron James, during his rookie year, was paid $76,000 — and expected to train, travel, and perform like a global icon on that salary. There would’ve been public outcry. Protests. Lawsuits.

But for women? It’s normalized.

In fact, some commentators have even defended the low pay, citing WNBA revenues as justification. But that argument ignores the fact that revenue growth requires investment — and underpaying top talent chokes off that growth at the root.

No one builds a championship brand by undervaluing their MVPs.

What the Players Are Saying

Both Clark and Reese have largely remained professional about the pay gap, often deflecting questions and focusing on the bigger picture. But when pressed, they’ve made their feelings known.

Angel Reese, speaking candidly on The Pivot Podcast, said:

“I know my worth. I’m not here for a handout — I’m here to change the game. But yeah, the money? It needs to change too.”

Caitlin Clark, during a press conference in May, said:

“I’m focused on basketball and helping grow the league. But of course, we deserve more. Everyone knows that.”

Other WNBA players have been more direct. A’ja Wilson, a two-time MVP, tweeted:

“Y’all want us to be global stars on McDonald’s wages. Make it make sense.”

Fans React: “This Is a National Embarrassment”

Public response has been overwhelming — and emotional.

On social media, fans are voicing outrage:

“Caitlin Clark is pulling in Super Bowl numbers and getting paid less than the assistant manager at CVS. What year are we living in?”

“You mean to tell me Angel Reese can’t buy a house off her WNBA salary but she sells out every arena she steps into?”

Petitions are already circulating calling on the WNBA, its ownership, and major networks to restructure pay models and push for higher league investment.

Even some male NBA stars have weighed in, with Damian Lillard tweeting:

“Pay them what they’re worth. Women ball too.”

What Needs to Happen: Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Here’s how things can change — and must change:

    Renegotiate the CBA
    Players need more control over their earnings, including revenue-sharing models like those used in the NBA and NFL.
    Raise the Salary Cap
    A league-wide boost in salary limits would allow teams to compensate stars fairly.
    Direct Investment from the NBA and Corporate Sponsors
    With growing interest, now is the time for real financial backing — not symbolic gestures.
    Pay-for-performance incentives
    If a player boosts ticket sales or viewership, their compensation should reflect that impact.
    Transparency and fan pressure
    As fans become more aware of the pay gap, their collective voice can drive change.

Why This Matters Beyond Sports

This isn’t just a basketball issue — it’s a workplace equity issue. It reflects how women, especially women of color, are underpaid and undervalued across nearly every industry.

The WNBA pay debate is a high-profile reflection of what millions of women face daily: doing more work, driving more results, and receiving far less in return.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have become symbols of this struggle, whether they asked for it or not.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Stop Applauding and Start Paying

The applause is deafening. The stadiums are full. The jerseys are flying off the shelves. The ratings are rising.

But applause doesn’t pay rent. Likes don’t fund retirements. Cheers don’t build generational wealth.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have already proven they can elevate the WNBA to new heights. Now, it’s time for the league — and the nation — to meet their efforts with real value.

It’s simple:

If you say you love women’s sports, prove it. Pay them.