CAITLIN CLARK has issued a confident message about the WNBA’s future despite rumors of going out on strike.
This comes after the players’ union opted out of its collective bargaining agreement with the league as players are seeking higher salaries after the most successful season.
The league saw a massive increase in attendance and ratings in 2024, thanks in part to the arrival of Clark, 22, to Indiana Fever.
However, recent reports suggested the point guard could join a strike asking for higher wages.
Nevertheless, the American expressed her optimism about the WNBA’s future while speaking at a Nike event on Monday.
Clark said: “From the amount of people that have showed up in the stadiums, from the viewership numbers to people really wanting to wear a WNBA player’s jersey.
“Just how it’s evolved in such a short period of time shows everyone there is real opportunity here and there has been opportunity here.
“The more we can continue to expand that and continue to have games on national television and get people in seats because, when they show up at a stadium, they’re always coming back.
“The more people that can get out and watch the ”W” or watch the college game, the better it’s going to be for the future of the game.”
While the WNBA is heading toward a more profitable future, the players haven’t seen that reflected in their salaries.
The rookie minimum salary is just $64,154 (£49,463), and the maximum salary is $241,984 (£186,570).
And many players spend their offseasons playing in foreign leagues to ensure they earn enough money to live.
Seattle Storm ace and players’ union WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said: “This is a defining moment not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress.
“The world has evolved since 2020 and we cannot afford to stand still.
“If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind. This is a new era and we are ready to lead transformational change.”
WNBA All-Star rosters
THE 2024 WNBA All-Star game rosters have been announced, with Team WNBA set to face Team USA on July 20.
Team WNBA:
- DeWanna Bonner – Connecticut Sun
- Aliyah Boston – Indiana Fever
- Caitlin Clark – Indiana Fever
- Allisha Gray – Atlanta Dream
- Dearica Hamby – Los Angeles Sparks
- Brionna Jones – Connecticut Sun
- Jonquel Jones – New York Liberty
- Kayla McBride – Minnesota Lynx
- Kelsey Mitchell – Indiana Fever
- Arike Ogunbowale – Dallas Wings
- Nneka Ogwumike – Seattle Storm
- Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
Team USA:
- Napheesa Collier – Minnesota Lynx
- Kahleah Copper – Phoenix Mercury
- Chelsea Gray – Las Vegas Aces
- Brittney Griner – Phoenix Mercury
- Sabrina Ionescu – New York Liberty
- Jewell Loyd – Seattle Storm
- Kelsey Plum – Las Vegas Aces
- Breanna Stewart – New York Liberty
- Diana Taurasi – Phoenix Mercury
- Alyssa Thomas – Connecticut Sun
- A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces
- Jackie Young – Las Vegas Aces
