WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark is heading into her third season in the WNBA but her first under the newly-agreed on Collective Bargaining Agreement. That new CBA will result in Clark receiving a pretty substantial raise in 2026.
According to Alexa Philippou, the new provisions under the CBA will see Clark enjoy a substantial pay raise in 2026. After making just $78,066 (roughly the salary of a paralegal) in 2025, Clark is now primed to earn a cool $530,000 in 2026.
Advertisement
Furthermore, thanks to her performance incentives, Clark could see another pay raise to $1.3 million in 2027, followed by a supermax extension to $1.7 million in 2028.
“For example, Caitlin Clark — who made $78,066 in 2025 — is poised to see her salary jump to $530,000 in 2026, a source said. She could earn the projected max of $1.3 million in 2027 as a previous All-WNBA player. She could then sign for a $1.7 million supermax in 2028,” Philippou wrote on X.
Advertisement
Good for Business
WNBA fans were happy to see that the most popular and important player in the league is finally getting a salary closer to what she deserves (even if many feel she deserves more):
“Well this answered one of the biggest questions I had, shout out to the WNBAPA, for looking back and taking care of the rookie contract classes as well. We are so back,” one user wrote on X.
“I love that they tied the cap to league revenue. This is important for the salary growth moving forward. The league will continue to grow and the money will keep coming. Good on the ladies of the W!” wrote another.
Advertisement
“Good. Enough of the poverty teams tanking, getting franchise players and paying them peanuts for 4+ years with options. Aliyah is probably the better example as she’s max-eligible now,” a third said.
Aug 24, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) looks on from the bench against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images.
(© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images.)
The WNBA managed to get a new deal done with the WNBA players union just in time to avoid missing key offseason deadlines. Now the league has a few good years to develop the league and hopefully enjoy the fruits of their growing popularity.
Advertisement
Caitlin Clark will be one of the key figures in making that possible.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
