Caitlin Clark’s 2025 Earnings: $16M from Sponsors, $114K from WNBA

Caitlin Clark faced a challenging season in the WNBA, competing in only 30% of the Indiana Fever’s games due to injuries. Despite these on-court setbacks, her off-court performance was exceptional, leading to an impressive estimated total earnings of $16.1 million in 2025.

Caitlin Clark’s Earnings Breakdown

Clark’s income comprised $16 million from endorsements and $114,000 from her salary with the Fever. This means that an astounding 99.3% of her earnings came from sponsorships, highlighting her appeal as a marketable athlete.

Ranking Among Female Athletes

In 2025, Clark ranked sixth in Sportico’s list of the highest-paid female athletes, marking a rise from her previous position in 2024, where she earned $11.1 million. This year represented her first full year of endorsement contracts after being drafted first overall by the Fever.

New Partnerships and Signatures

• In 2024, Clark signed several new endorsement deals.
• She partnered with Ascension St. Vincent and Stanley.
• Clark’s existing sponsors include Gatorade, State Farm, and Wilson.
• Nike named Clark as its latest signature athlete, set to launch a collection in 2026.

WNBA Salary and Bonuses

Clark earned a base salary of $76,535 as a rookie, which increased to $78,066 during her second year. Her total income from the WNBA exceeded $100,000 through bonuses, including participation in the midseason Commissioner’s Cup, which awarded each player a $30,000 bonus.

WNBA Finals and Additional Earnings

This season saw the WNBA Finals format expand to a best-of-seven series, resulting in an increased prize pool. Although the Fever reached the semifinals, they were eliminated by the Las Vegas Aces with Clark sidelined, earning players $3,435 each.

Bonus Structures in WNBA

Clark was also voted into the All-Star Game, which came with a bonus of $2,575. Furthermore, a Player Marketing Agreement could offer up to $250,000 to players serving as brand ambassadors. While many star players choose to forgo the agreement to maximize their sponsorship earnings, it illustrates the growing financial possibilities in women’s sports.

The Changing Landscape of Female Athletic Earnings

Caitlin Clark is part of a broader trend where female athletes earn significantly more from endorsements than from their playing salaries. In 2025, the top 15 highest-paid female athletes generated an estimated $249 million, with only 30% coming from prize money and salaries. This contrasts sharply with male athletes, who still dominate in terms of salary percentages.

The dynamics in the WNBA are evolving as league and player association negotiations indicate potential increases in salaries to better align with growing revenues. Caitlin Clark’s journey exemplifies the changing landscape of female athletics and the power of endorsements in shaping an athlete’s financial future.