• Loading stock data...
Monday, January 19, 2026

Caitlin Clark Makes WNBA History Again—and a Payday to Match

  • Caitlin Clark was selected to the All-WNBA First Team alongside superstars like A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier.
  • The WNBA provides an incentive of $10,300 for members of the first team.
Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark’s historic rookie WNBA season is over, but she keeps setting records—and getting paid.

The 2024 Rookie of the Year was named to the All-WNBA First Team, the first rookie since Candace Parker in 2008—who was also the league MVP that year—to make the squad. Clark received 52 votes for the first team and 14 votes for the second team for a total of 302 points, fourth most behind A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, and ahead of Alyssa Thomas.

Clark was also the only guard to make the squad, as voting for All-WNBA teams is positionless.

The second team consisted of Sabrina Ionescu, Kahleah Copper, Nneka Ogwumike, Arike Ogunbowale, and Jonquel Jones. 

Members of the first team receive $10,300, while the second team receives $5,150 each. It’s a small prize relative to the millions of dollars in incentives tied to awards within some NBA contracts—but it is in line with the often-criticized salaries across the WNBA.

Clark, the first pick in the 2024 draft, is making under $80,000 this season, while Wilson, a three-time MVP, has a salary of $200,000 per year.

WNBA players are expected to opt out of the current CBA before the Nov. 1 deadline. Even if the players opt out, the CBA will be in effect until at least next season. An opt-out would open the door to a more favorable salary structure and increased incentives for awards starting in 2026, the same year the new $2.2 billion media-rights deal kicks in.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 8, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; A detailed view of an official game ball with the NCAA logo prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the East Texas A&M Lions at Reed Arena. The Aggies defeated the Lions 87-55.

‘Death, Taxes, and Chinese Basketball’: Wildest Texts in The NCAA Point-Shaving Indictment

The indictments reveal in extreme detail how the scheme was carried out.
exclusive

WNBA Exploring Buying Back 16% Stake Sold in 2022

The league sold the $75 million stake when it badly needed capital.
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver attends the Emirates NBA Cup Final between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena.

Silver Says NBA Europe Won’t Be ‘Viable Commercial Enterprise’ for a While

He also addressed EuroLeague’s legal warning, saying a clash is not “inevitable.”

Gabby Thomas Says Grand Slam Track Did ‘Too Much, Too Fast’

Michael Johnson’s high-profile track start-up filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy last month.

Featured Today

Sports Goes All In on Non-Alcoholic Drinks Boom

Athletes, teams, and leagues are pouring money into the NA beverage category.
Tulsa Portal House
January 16, 2026

Inside the Tulsa Portal House: ‘This Will Translate to Wins’

The Golden Hurricane set up an over-the-top battle station for football recruiting.
Black Rabbit
January 10, 2026

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.

Mets Finally Land Big Free Agent After Several Near-Misses

Bo Bichette agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract. 
Bryson DeChambeau
January 14, 2026

Bryson DeChambeau: Doing Only Majors and YouTube ‘Incredibly Viable’

DeChambeau says choosing YouTube over LIV or PGA Tour is “incredibly viable.”
Jun 2, 2021; Paris, France; Venus Williams (USA) and Coco Gauff (USA) in their doubles match on day four of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
January 15, 2026

Possible Gauff-Williams Australian Open Match Sets Up Ratings Win

A potential showdown between the two stars could provide a viewership bounce.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links answers questions from the media after a TGL match against New York Golf Club at SoFi Center on January 13, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
January 14, 2026

Tiger Woods Defends Koepka’s Return: ‘A Win for Everyone’

Woods was influential in green-lighting Koepka’s coming back.
Aug 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooks Koepka of Smash GC plays his shot from the fairway on the sixth hole during the semifinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort.
January 13, 2026

PGA Players Support Koepka’s Return: ‘Great Move’

Top players are reacting to the major decision.
Jan 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
January 12, 2026

LeBron Will Wear Special Jersey Patch for Fanatics Trading Cards

Fanatics Collectibles, which owns Topps, is the NBA’s official trading card licensee.
Brooks Koepka
January 12, 2026

Brooks Koepka Agrees to Give Up Millions for PGA Return

Koepka quit LIV less than three weeks ago.