JUST IN: Shaquille O’Neal offer a huge NBA-level contracts for Caitlin Clark
WNBA rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have garnered significant attention this season with their performances for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky, respectively. Shaquille O’Neal recently commented on their financial situation, given their success.
“I’m glad they’re getting their exposure,” O’Neal said, as reported by theScore. “They definitely deserve it. Now we just gotta get ’em contracts similar to what some of these NBA guys are making.”
The WNBA lags behind the NBA in terms of player salaries. While NBA players earn millions, Clark, the Fever’s No. 1 pick, is on a four-year, $338,056 contract, with an average annual salary of $84,514, according to Spotrac. Reese, drafted seventh by the Sky, has a four-year, $324,383 contract, averaging $81,096 annually.
Though it’s unrealistic to expect WNBA players to earn as much as NBA players at this stage, there are certainly higher aspirations for the future. It’s encouraging to see a prominent figure like O’Neal advocating for better compensation for players like Clark and Reese, who are not the only ones deserving of higher pay.
How are Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese faring as rookies?
This season, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have stood out as the most impressive rookies in the WNBA. Clark is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, consistently improving throughout the season with the Indiana Fever. She recently broke the WNBA single-season record for double-doubles with 12. Reese has also made a significant impact, particularly as a rebounder, earning her recognition as the second most impressive rookie this year.
Clark’s Fever are performing well, sitting above .500 and on track to make the playoffs after a strong run of form. Meanwhile, Reese and the Chicago Sky are battling hard to secure one of the final playoff spots.
As these two rookies progress in their careers, it will be interesting to watch the development of their rivalry, which dates back to their college days, as well as the mutual respect they share. Regardless of any competition between them, Clark and Reese are poised to be key players in shaping the future of the WNBA.