Dear WNBA,
Caitlin Clark would never write this letter. She'd never remind you how many tickets she's helped sell, how many people she's brought to television screens, or how much money has followed her into women's basketball. She'd certainly never look at another player's paycheck and take credit for it.
So, as her fans, we'll do the uncomfortable part for her.
You're welcome.
And to be clear, this isn't directed at the overwhelming majority of WNBA players who compete against Caitlin, respect her, and understand exactly what is happening to their sport. It's for the very few who have publicly seemed bothered by the attention, the crowds, the coverage or the fans who followed No. 22 into the league.
We have a question.
Have you looked at your paycheck?
In 2025, the WNBA supermax was about $249,000. In 2026, it's $1.4 million. The team salary cap went from roughly $1.5 million to $7 million. The new CBA represents a transformation in how WNBA players are compensated.
As of the 2026 WNBA season, the new CBA has dramatically changed the salary scale. The supermax cap hit is $1.4 million, with the regular maximum at $1.19 million. Her Hoop Stats
The top salaries/cap in 2026:
| Player | Team | 2026 salary |
|---|---|---|
| A’ja Wilson | Las Vegas Aces | $1.4M |
| Napheesa Collier | Minnesota Lynx | $1.4M |
| Kelsey Mitchell | Indiana Fever | $1.4M |
| Ezi Magbegor | Seattle Storm | $1.25M |
| Kahleah Copper | Phoenix Mercury | $1.20M |
| Marina Mabrey | Toronto Tempo | $1.20M |
| Alyssa Thomas | Phoenix Mercury | $1.20M |
| Sabrina Ionescu | New York Liberty | $1.19M |
| Breanna Stewart | New York Liberty | $1.19M |
| Arike Ogunbowale | Dallas Wings | $1.19M |
There are several others tied at $1.19M, including Jackie Young, Brittney Griner, Jonquel Jones, Allisha Gray, Kayla McBride, and others.
No, Caitlin Clark didn't do that alone. The union negotiated it. Generations of women built this league. Today's stars earned it.
But let's not pretend the timing is irrelevant.
The WNBA spent years asking for more attention, more television viewers, more ticket buyers, more corporate investment, and more mainstream sports fans.
Then Caitlin Clark showed up.
And she brought them.
We watched it happen in Iowa City, where women's basketball became appointment television and sold-out arenas became normal. We watched it happen in Indianapolis, where Fever games became events and No. 22 helped create an economic ripple that stretched well beyond the arena. We watched Nike make one of the largest investments ever in a women's basketball player and then build an entire signature brand around her.
And most importantly, we watched it happen everywhere the Fever traveled.
That's the part worth remembering.
The Clark Effect didn't only make money for Caitlin Clark.
It made money for women's basketball.
That's how sports economics work. More people watching means more valuable broadcasts. More people attending means more valuable franchises. More merchandise, sponsorships and cultural relevance mean more revenue.
And eventually, more revenue means bigger paychecks.
Which brings us back to those few people who have occasionally seemed annoyed that Caitlin gets too much attention.
We understand. The circus can probably be exhausting. Not every question needs to be about Caitlin Clark. Not every accomplishment by another great player needs to be viewed through the prism of No. 22.
But attention isn't a finite resource.
Caitlin didn't take your spotlight.
She brought a bigger spotlight.
And now the league's best players can make $1.4 million instead of $249,000.
Caitlin would never connect those dots herself. That's part of what makes her Caitlin. She talks about her teammates. She praises her opponents. She talks about growing the game. When people have used her name to attack other players, she's explicitly rejected it. She once put it simply: “I'm just here to play basketball.”
We know, Caitlin.
So we'll handle this one.
To the WNBA players getting the biggest raises in league history: Congratulations. You earned them.
To the generations of women who built the WNBA: Thank you.
And to the handful still wondering why everybody keeps talking about that Hawkeye from Iowa...
Check the attendance.
Check the ratings.
Check the revenue.
Then check your direct deposit.
You're welcome.
With love,
Caitlin Clark fans everywhere.
109 comments
Dear Caitlin,
I have never really watched sports on TV except for the bulls with MJ, Pippin & Rodman. My husband on the other hand has always been a sports fanatic. Children & grandchildren were the sports I attended. Then one day I saw you on TV in college with the most entertaining basketball I had ever seen. I searched for interviews & game highlights you had done & I was hooked on this 20-year-old who was as entertaining on the court but so funny & down to earth off the court. I have watched you enter the WNBA & have an amazing Rookie year, but I wanted to stop watching seeing you become a target. Second year I bought league pass & watched every game. That year you came out with bang but then the injuries happened & my heart was broken for you. Again, you had been a target. I from then on only watched you on the bench. Who watches a game to see a 23-year-old be so entertaining from the bench. I will always believe they made it far due to your air force ones. I have tuned in to your LPGA & bought so much Caitlin Clark merchandise to support you. Basketballs, rain berry Gatorade, Stanleys, clothes, 5 panini Caitlin Clark Chronicled cards. Third year you again entertained me on & off the court. You are such a great role model for my granddaughters who play high school ball. However, this year I just watched Fever games. I have grown to love your character & how you block out noise. During game nights I found a group chat where we talk about the game for hours after it ends. Congratulation on winning Gold in the World Cup. I know your journey hasn’t been easy & I have you in my prayers. I just want you to know how much joy you have provided me & my grandchildren. You are one of one & you have already left your mark on woman’s sports but knocking the door down & bringing thousands of fans to the WNBA. Enjoy your off season but remember time goes by fast so remember to take a break & have fun. Poor into the people who love you. Your gameday pictures with the dogs & the children from the hospital were so touching reminding us people are going through some tough times. Never change & see you next year on the court wherever that is. Keep smart people around you to be thinking about what is best for your future. I will always be your fan & I forgot my husband who has never watched woman’s sports loves to watch you also.
Congratulations on a tremendous season. The games are far better with you in them. I have been watching you since Iowa and grateful for the grace and joy you give your fans. Prayers sent to God that you remain healthy long into the future.
Caitlin, Thank you.
My message is for your parents. I think of you every time I see Caitlin play. I am a parent. I can imagine watching one of my children being treated the way Caitlin has been treated.
I want you to know I pray for her safety each time before every game. As I am sure you do. You are not alone. She would not be Caitlin without your love and support. The way you raised her.
Thanks for her, Thanks to you .
Hello CC,
I genuinely dont know how you keep your head high and keep going with all this noise and nonsense around you.We see you,we love you.Keep shooting 3’s .I admire you soo much. Incredible person and a much better role model to all young girls out there
Caitlin, you may not know us but we support you and believe in your greatness. Your talent, heart, and impact cannot be denied. Know your truth, protect your peace, and keep shining. Sometimes the devil works overtime because you’re doing something right. Keep your faith strong and remember how many people are cheering you on. We’ve got your back. ❤️
Thank you Caitlin for the joy, excitement, and passion you play with. I am a fan!! I will follow you wherever you play or coach😁. ❤️
I have traveled to Dallas too watch you play and to Indianapolis from Sour Lake, Texas. Hoping to see you play in Houston next year!!
CC, I’ve always love men’s college bball. Then somebody said something about this girl from Iowa who shot from WAY downtown. My dad died some time ago and ai mentioned to my now 80+ yr old mom – you need to watch this girl. Turned into hey let me know when Caitlin and the girls are playing so I can watch. The girls on the team have changed and now we are pulling for Indy, but what a great gift to get my mom loving and following you and your teams. Do not EVER discount the joy you bring to sports AND non-sports fans! You have shared your authentic self and your family with us all. Also a big shoutout to you mom, dad, brothers and Conner for letting us get a glimpse of them too. Family means everything to us…and apparently to you all. Keep balling and making us laugh at the ridiculous passes and string music from WAY DOWNTOWN!
Dear Caitlin,
I never gave a hoot about sports my entire life, but I enjoy watching you so much, and I have learned so much watching you play. I love and appreciate your genuine spirit and think you deserve the entire world. I hope you continue to find more people who appreciate the joy you bring on and off the court. I know you want to make the world a better place and you have always done that by just being yourself. You bring so much happiness everywhere you go and real positive change and transformation. Thank you for being you. I hope you’re so happy and find fulfillment in all avenues of life.
Thank you,
Nicole Gulino
this is parasocial ain;t it.Do I care,kinda and no. Anyways….You rock and you gonna be great.F&CK what they say.FORT SNOW!
Thank you CC! We’ve started so many family traditions around watching games with our young girls. They love watching you play and having a role model. I’d never watched basketball before, but you have a life long fan!
#GOIOWA#GOWHATEVERTEAMYOUREON