On Monday night, former Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark became the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever after emerging as the biggest superstar women’s college basketball has ever seen. She’s one of the biggest sports stars on the planet – male or female – but she’s not going to be paid like one. And United States President Joe Biden is not happy about it.
Caitlin Clark will make less than $85,000 per year on average during her first four-year contract with the Indiana Fever, far less than her male counterparts as former No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama is set to make about $3 million a year on average. And Joe Biden does not think that’s right or fair.
“Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all. But right now we’re seeing that even if you’re the best, women are not paid their fair share. It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve,” Biden said in a post on X, the social media website that was formerly known as Twitter.
Women in sports continue to push new boundaries and inspire us all.
But right now we're seeing that even if you're the best, women are not paid their fair share.
It’s time that we give our daughters the same opportunities as our sons and ensure women are paid what they deserve.
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 16, 2024
Obviously, these are some strong words from Biden, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media.
Couldn’t agree more, @POTUS. https://t.co/cxGJOdNwF7
— David L. Cohen (@USAmbCanada) April 17, 2024
Women achieved pay parity in tennis when the popularity of the women’s game generated profits in line with that of the men. If Clark can do that to the popularity of the WNBA, players will all reap the benefits. https://t.co/joNEJ7GdGA
— (((Jeremy Posner))) (@jmp_nyc) April 17, 2024
I 100% totally support forcing the NBA and WNBA to pool all their revenues and pay the men and women players equally. https://t.co/CfyPMxy11l
— Conn Carroll (@conncarroll) April 17, 2024
The next time Biden takes any questions, which might never even happen, can somebody please ask him to name one WNBA team? https://t.co/JabQil1HjS
— Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) April 17, 2024
If you believe women athletes should make more money, you need to do a ton of things first.
– watch their games. This helps ratings and increases revenue.
– go to games
– purchase team gear
Now, tell me the last time you've seen someone wearing a female jersey in the public https://t.co/53PgFT7HvM— Antidote Pope (@JoshuaCatr84481) April 17, 2024
We need an executive order mandating WNBA players be paid a LIVABLE WAGE https://t.co/yfeLSrEl3u
— Cash_Nicholson (@Cash_Nicholson) April 16, 2024
WNBA should be a 3 week tournament in the middle of NBA season to give the stars some time to rest https://t.co/dARQSF87m5
— “Mean” Meme McGene (@ofreacharound) April 16, 2024
Thank you, Mr. President! https://t.co/Y45FbURz0v
— Thee Shawn Roberts (@WWChemMath) April 17, 2024
It’s pretty clear that Biden wants change.
