Caitlin Clark, an Iowa star, will earn less money as a professional, according to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The notion that Caitlin Clark, the star basketball player from Iowa, would suffer financial setbacks if she were to turn professional has been refuted by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Engelbert’s remarks are made in the midst of debates about how college students’ prospective profits from NIL partnerships are compared to professional salary and benefits.

Engelbert stated, “It’s a bad narrative,” as The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov observed. Engelbert made the observation that when collegiate athletes like Clark enter the professional ranks, what are known as NIL deals are really endorsements.

With the introduction of NIL rights, which allow athletes to make money off of their personal brands, the financial situation for female collegiate athletes has been under increased scrutiny. This development has sparked a controversy that has followed gifted individuals like Clark by bringing to light a comparison between possible wages in college and as a professional. Despite the inevitable comparison, Clark’s choice to join the WNBA is regarded as a significant moment for women’s sports in general as well as a personal accomplishment. The idea that she has taken a financial step back is refuted by her strong portfolio of sponsorships and prospects for even greater financial success.

Caitlin Clark, heralded as a “transcendent athlete” by industry insiders, has already secured deals that extend into her professional career, demonstrating the appeal of her brand beyond the collegiate level. Clark’s anticipated move to the WNBA is accompanied by expectations of significant earnings from both salary and endorsements.

The discussion around Clark’s potential earnings in the WNBA also brings attention to a more general problem: the discrepancy between the actual and perceived value and marketability of women’s sports. While male athletes frequently sign rich contracts when they enter professional leagues, women’s professional careers have not always been as fortunate. Clark’s voyage does, however, herald a turning point in the recognition of women athletes’ financial and commercial worth, which is now comparable to that of males.

Clark’s potential impact on the WNBA extends beyond financial considerations. Her popularity and marketability are expected to bring increased visibility to the league, challenging notions about the commercial viability of women’s sports. As the WNBA continues to gain traction, the inclusion of athletes like Clark, with a robust following and endorsement portfolio, is poised to elevate the WNBA’s profile and appeal to both fans and sponsors.

“It’s gonna be harder,” said Jeff Kearney, Gatorade’s head of sports marketing. “You know the competition is going to be tougher. Players are faster. The players are better. But again, I think she has an it-factor and is driven to succeed. So it certainly doesn’t change the approach that we have of trying to celebrate this phenomenal athlete and tell her story. It doesn’t matter what jersey she has on.”