Friday, August 7, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 6, 2026; Camden, NJ, USA; From left to right Philadelphia 76ers general manager Mike Gansey and guard Jaylen Brown and managing partner Josh Harris pose for a photo during his introductory press conference at the Francis J. Myers Recreation Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Mike Gansey: Sixers Players Led LeBron Recruitment

Gansey’s own relationship with James dates back to high school.
The Warner Bros. Water Tower is pictured at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank on the day it was announced that California and 11 states are suing to block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in California, U.S. July 13, 2026.

WBD Ad Sales Sink Without NBA Live Rights

WBD’s fiscal second-quarter revenue fell 11%.

Blazers Gain Public Backing, but Arena Talks Still Contentious

Citizen support for the arena renovations arrived from several different sectors.

Feds Say Rozier Friend Threatening Witnesses in NBA Gambling Case

Prosecutors say De’Niro Laster has been intimidating witnesses on social media.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/7/26 – Aikman and Buck Talks, Fox Won’t Renegotiate NFL Rights Until 2028, and Yankees’ Polymarket Deal

0:00

Featured Today

Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.
Tom's Watch Bar
July 17, 2026

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Eastlake’s Julian Williams (3) runs the ball during a District 1-6A high school football game against Pebble Hills on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at SAC 1 in El Paso, Texas.

Texas Heat Rules Reshape High School Football Practices

Smaller programs may lack the facilities and trainers to adapt.
Jul 12, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Jannik Sinner (ITA) serves against Alexander Zverev (GER) (not pictured) in the gentlemen's singles final of The Championships Wimbledon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
August 3, 2026

Star Withdrawals Test the Value of Tennis’s Masters Events

The Canadian Open is missing tennis’s biggest stars once again.
Dec 28, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) dribbles the ball past Philadelphia 76ers forward JJ Redick (17) and guard Ben Simmons (25) during the fourth quarter at the Moda Center. The Blazers won 114-110. Mandatory Credit:
August 4, 2026

Why Pro Athletes Are Saying Their Big Contracts Weren’t So Big

“I think people should listen, because they’re telling the truth,” Chris Bosh told FOS.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Aug 31, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; John Isner of the United States is interviewed on court after his second round match against Michael Mmoh of the United States on day four of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
July 31, 2026

Former Tennis Pro on Influencers at Big Events: ‘Done a Lot for the Sport’

John Isner says there’s upside to content creators’ presence at Grand Slams.
July 30, 2026

LeBron Could Make Sixers’ Expiring Jersey Patch a Premium Asset

Philly’s deal with Crypto.com expires in 2027. 
Marques Colston
July 30, 2026

Marques Colston: Why Everyone Is Buying Into Soccer Clubs

Colston’s The Champion Fund invested in Ipswich Town.
Jan 7, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) celebrates his goal scored against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at Crypto.com Arena
July 29, 2026

Macklin Celebrini Contract Extension Sets New NHL Salary Mark

The Sharks locked up their young phenom at a record AAV.