Superstardom has proven to be very lucrative for Caitlin Clark.
Sportico reported that Clarke was one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world (ranked No. 10), earning $11.1 million in 2024.
Most of those earnings — $11 million to be exact — came from next to nothing money while at Iowa State and brand deals that started in college and followed her to the pros.
Nike, Gatorade, State Farm and Panini have continued their relationships with the Indiana Fever star since she was taken No. 1 overall in the WNBA draft earlier this year.
“Nike is Clark's most valuable endorsement deal. In April, the Swoosh signed the future WNBA Rookie of the Year to an eight-year agreement worth more than $3 million per year on average. Other brand partners include Wilson, Hy Vee, And Xfinity, Gainbridge, and Lilly.
It should be noted that almost all of Clarke's earnings come from off-court deals and not from her WNBA salary.
Clark, who has become the biggest name in women's basketball, could earn nearly $100,000 a year from her WNBA contract if she cashes out her bonuses.
Her base salary in 2024 was $76,535.
This situation is not unique in women's sports, where American gymnastics icon Simone Biles also makes 99 percent of her money off the mat, Sportico reported.
Clark had the opportunity to boost her earnings this winter with a $1 million offer to join Unrivaled Basketball, a new women's 3-on-3 league that will start in January, before backing out.
Clark helped the Fever reach the WNBA playoffs, averaging 19.2 points per game while setting a number of franchise and WNBA records.
The star was spotted in Indianapolis with legendary comedian David Letterman earlier this week while filming a scene for his Netflix show “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman,” FOX59/CBS4 reported.
Coco Gauff came in first on the list with $30.4 million, of which $21 million came from endorsements.
