Caitlin Clark is one of the most influential athletes of our age, and her value speaks to that. That's the territory that comes with being a player that fills arenas and shatters records.
As Clark prepares to head to the WNBA following the 2023-24 season, her value will only increase. Many speculate that because WNBA players are comparatively paid much less than other professional athletes the opposite would happen. That simply isn't the case, and it's in large part because of the value she's created for herself at the University of Iowa.
When Clark is inevitably selected first overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark's contract earnings will be capped at $328k. That's not a small number for us mere mortals, but for a legend the likes of Clark, it's understandably a bit underwhelming. Luckily for her, many of her NIL deals from college will follow her to the next level.
Clark will make more money as a professional because the NIL deals, or endorsements as a professional term, will stack on top of her salary. Other avenues, such as broadcasting or playing overseas will also be available to her. So make no mistake, Clark is set to make huge money in the coming years.
Of course, looking at her current NIL value is intriguing as her career comes to a close. She recently signed a deal with Panini that spiked her value considerably and made her one of the highest-value college athletes in the country.
According to On3's NIL value rankings, Clark is the fourth-highest valued college athlete with an NIL valuation of $3.1 million. That number is possible because of the deal with Panini. On February 29, 2024, before the Panini endorsement announcement, Clark was valued at $910k.
While certainly a high number, that wouldn't have been high enough to include her in the top 20 overall athletes. But now, Clark is the second highest-valued female athlete and fourth overall.
Clark's endorsements include Panini, H&R Block, Nike, Buick, State Farm, Gatorade and more.
Here's how the top 10 NIL values in college athletics stacks up, according to On3.
Name | Team | Sport | NIL Value |
|---|---|---|---|
Bronny James | USC | Basketball | $5M |
Shedeur Sanders | Colorado | Football | $4.7M |
Livvy Dunne | LSU | Gymnastics | $3.5M |
Caitlin Clark | Iowa | Basketball | $3.1M |
Arch Manning | Texas | Football | $2.8M |
Travis Hunter | Colorado | Football | $2.3M |
Quinn Ewers | Texas | Football | $1.9M |
Angel Reese | LSU | Basketball | $1.7M |
Carson Beck | Georgia | Football | $1.5M |
Jalen Milroe | Alabama | Football | $1.5M |
No other Iowa athlete has reported NIL value. Offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor is estimated to be the next highest-valued Hawkeye, 66th in the nation.
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