Caitlin Clark joined the college basketball sphere at the perfect time.
She debuted for the Iowa Hawkeyes as the No. 4 recruit from her high school class and immediately became a star. Lucky for her, she did this just as the NIL rules changed, allowing student-athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness.
Fast forward to her senior season, and Clark was the top women's basketball earner and fourth-highest earner among all amateur athletes, according to On3. She maximized her potential on the court and greatly benefitted off the court because of it.
Clark's collegiate career came to a close with her selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft. All the NIL deals that she's garnered over the past few seasons didn't just disappear, though.
By making the leap to the WNBA, Clark will only increase her paycheck through a salary, all while raking in endorsements.
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Why Caitlin Clark won't lose her NIL deals
When the NCAA approved NIL rules in favor of amateur athletes, Clark was one of many student-athletes to successfully take advantage.
Between her on-court ability and the growth of women's basketball each year, Clark was the target for multiple top-named brands.
Gatorade, State Farm and Nike were some of the companies that featured Clark in commercials and advertisements. they helped Clark build up a $3.1 million NIL valuation, according to On3.
MORE: Caitlin Clark NIL deals, explained
When Clark was a wee college athlete, those deals fell under the jurisdiction of NIL rules for amateur athletes. Now that she's a professional, they're simply considered endorsements.
Many of the deals Clark signed weren't NIL specific, so she retained them after Iowa ends its season. She is the most popular women's basketball player at the moment. That didn't dissipate after taking her talents to the big leagues
The jersey Clark dons is irrelevant toward her endorsement deals, so expect her to keep appearing in popular commercials as her WNBA career takes shape.
Caitlin Clark WNBA salary
The Fever made Clark the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
MORE: Caitlin Clark draft projection, roster, salary
The WNBA rookie deal is a four-year contract with a team option on the final year. Clark would make $76,535 in year one, assuming she's a top-four draft pick. She'd make $338,056 across four seasons, per Spotrac.
That is just the base salary, which doesn't include any potential bonuses a player and team can agree on. It is just a portion of the income a WNBA player can make.
Clark will add that yearly salary to an already impressive resume of endorsement deals. She can continue to sign more deals if companies decide they want to work with her.
