Caitlin Clark, a rising star in the WNBA, has already made a huge impact in her first year as a professional athlete. The Indiana Fever standout secured a spot on Sportico’s annual list of the highest-paid female athletes, earning a remarkable $11.1 million. She claimed the 10th position, just behind legendary gymnast Simone Biles. This impressive earning power comes from a combination of her salary, winnings, and extensive endorsement deals.
Sportico’s list, which ranks athletes based on their total earnings, saw U.S. tennis sensation Coco Gauff take the top spot with an astounding $30.4 million. Other notable athletes in the top ten include skater Eileen Gu ($22.1 million), Polish tennis star Iga ÅšwiÄ…tek ($21.4 million), and rising tennis player Zheng Qinwen, who earned $20.6 million. Rounding out the list were Aryna Sabalenka ($17.7 million), Naomi Osaka ($15.9 million), Emma Raducanu ($14.7 million), and golfer Nelly Korda ($14.4 million).
Caitlin Clark’s debut on this prestigious list is a testament to her breakout career. The young athlete is no stranger to financial success, having secured multiple NIL (name, image, and likeness) deals during her record-breaking college career at the University of Iowa. As a result, several major brands that partnered with Clark during her college years, including Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Panini, have continued their relationships with her as she transitions into professional basketball.
Clark’s endorsement deals are a significant contributor to her earnings. Among these, her partnership with Nike stands out as the most lucrative. In April, she signed a major contract with the sportswear giant worth more than $3 million annually over eight years. Her brand collaborations don’t end there—she has also teamed up with Wilson, Hy-Vee, Xfinity, Gainbridge, and Lilly, further bolstering her financial portfolio.
As Caitlin Clark’s career progresses, it’s clear that her ability to draw lucrative endorsement deals, along with her on-court success, will continue to position her among the highest-earning athletes in the world. With her potential to become the WNBA’s next superstar, it’s exciting to think about how her earnings will evolve in the years to come.