WNBA players, despite their constant demands for better benefits, are facing the reality that the league has never turned a profit in its 30-year history. The WNBA loses tens of millions of dollars each year, including significant expenses for charter flights for players. This year, charter flights are estimated to cost about $20 million, making it even more difficult for the league to stay afloat without cutting player salaries or benefits.
However, despite the league not turning a profit, players continue to demand benefits like charter flights, hoping to improve their working conditions. Some WNBA stars, like Angel Reese, have been vocal about how they deserve to be paid more and be treated as big stars in sports, even compared to other big names in other sports. They believe that the success of the league is due to them, and they want to be rewarded accordingly for their contributions.
However, the reality is that this season, the league is not only lacking in finance but also lacking the appeal of real stars capable of attracting large audiences. This is why the event of Caitlyn Clark refusing to join the Unrivaled league is especially important. Caitlyn Clark, who is considered the brightest star in women’s basketball today, turned down an invitation to join this new league with a salary of up to $ 1 million for two months of competition, many times the amount she earned in the WNBA.
Clark’s reason for turning down this invitation is not simply because she wants to rest. According to many speculations, Clark does not want to be a tool to support a league that cannot succeed without her. Throughout her career, Clark has been repeatedly criticized by the media for her influence in the victories and prominence of women’s basketball, especially when Angel Reese and Paige Buckner were credited with playing a large role in the success of women’s basketball. While these players have their achievements, there is no denying that Clark is the one who has truly made a big difference, not only in the NCAA but also in the WNBA.
Since joining the WNBA, Caitlyn Clark has garnered significant attention from the public, with impressive games and high attendance numbers. There have been many games where teams have had to move from small arenas to large NBA arenas just to accommodate the number of viewers who want to cheer for her. This is something that other players in the WNBA have not been able to do.
Meanwhile, players like Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson, despite their own talents, are not capable of creating a big attraction for fans. This makes it very difficult for Unrivaled, the new league sponsored by TNT, to maintain the interest of fans without Caitlyn Clark’s participation. TNT’s investment in Unrivaled seems to be only to compete directly with the WNBA, especially when they realize that women’s basketball needs stars like Clark to make a difference.
However, Caitlyn Clark has sent a clear message that if the WNBA and other leagues do not appreciate her influence and talent, she will not easily accept deals that are only intended to exploit her. Clark turned down Unrivaled, not only because she wanted a break, but also to demonstrate that women’s basketball’s success depends on recognizing and respecting true stars, rather than the lesser-known players other leagues can bring in to “fill” spots.
With the current state of affairs, the WNBA and Unrivaled both face a big question: can players succeed without stars like Caitlyn Clark, or will these leagues have to change their strategies to create a truly engaging environment? The answer will directly affect the future of women’s basketball in the years to come.
