Throughout the past two women’s college basketball seasons, Iowa Hawkeyes superstar Caitlin Clark has emerged as one of the most famous athletes in the entire sport. And thanks to the NCAA’s NIL rules, it sounds like she’s being paid accordingly.
A few years ago, the NCAA changed its rules to allow college athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness with endorsement deals. And Caitlin Clark is absolutely cashing in on those new rules.
ESPN senior writer Wright Thompson recently put together a lengthy profile on the Iowa superstar. In it, Thompson revealed that Clark is making at least $1 million from her endorsement deals.
“She earns seven figures and has deals with Bose, Nike and State Farm,” Thompson wrote for ESPN this week. “The Iowa grocery store chain Hy-Vee, another corporate partner, sometimes pays for her private security at public events.”
Obviously, it’s pretty insane news for a college athlete to be pulling in that kind of money, and it led to a lot of reactions on social media as a result.
Great for her. My question is will she be welcomed into the WNBA or will there be a lack of acceptance due to jealousy. Probably the highest paid female player of all time and still in college.
— steve buhr (@stevebuhr4) March 21, 2024
Well she had enough confidence in herself talents and commitment to her sport and school to earn the rewards. Impressive young lady!
— Jacquelyn M Basso CPA (@jacquimbasso) March 21, 2024
Love it.
— Blue Lakes MC (@BlueLakesMC1) March 21, 2024
https://twitter.com/SoftailHD2005/status/1770772782223147389?s=20
If you're a sports fan & don't realize Iowa's Caitlin Clark is, by far, the most popular & recognizable college basketball player (be it male, female or transgender) in America, you're beyond delusional. When passing out NIL bucks, Caitlin deserves the most & its not even close!
— Salty 🌊⛵️ (@saltytopside) March 21, 2024
It’s certainly a lot of money, but based on how popular Clark has become and how much attention she’s brought to the entire sport of women’s basketball, it’s safe to say that she’s earned it.
[ESPN]