Caitlin Clark, the standout star of Iowa’s women’s basketball team, has recently announced her decision to enter the WNBA Draft at the end of the season. This news has sparked a debate about whether it would be more financially advantageous for Clark to remain in college for another year or turn professional. With her exceptional talent and potential, Clark is expected to be the number one overall pick in the draft.
In the past, the answer to this question would have been clear-cut. Turning professional would have made more sense due to the NCAA’s ban on name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings. However, with the recent change in NCAA rules allowing college athletes to earn money from their NIL, the financial landscape has shifted.
According to On3’s NIL algorithm, Clark is estimated to make approximately $910,000 from various NIL deals this season. Her endorsement deals include major brands like Gatorade, State Farm, Nike, Buick, Topps, and H&R Block. These lucrative opportunities have led some experts to suggest that Clark could potentially earn more money by staying in college for another year.
Last season, 10 college athletes, including two women, made over $1 million from NIL deals. The popularity and viewership of women’s college basketball have been steadily increasing. Regular-season games routinely attract over 1 million viewers, while the women’s championship game reached 9.9 million viewers last year. In contrast, WNBA Finals games averaged 728,000 viewers. This stark difference in viewership highlights the immense popularity of women’s college basketball and its potential financial advantages for top athletes like Clark.
Tim Derdenger, an associate professor of marketing and strategy at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, believes that Clark should stay in college for another year. He argues that her brand and NIL deals would be even more significant if she were to return, especially if she wins the championship. Derdenger emphasizes that from a financial standpoint, Clark could potentially earn more money in college due to the larger spotlight and fan base.
However, there are differing opinions on the matter. Some experts believe that turning professional could present unique opportunities for Clark, such as participating in events with well-known players like Sabrina Ionescu and Steph Curry. Additionally, even though the WNBA may offer a smaller stage and potentially fewer endorsement deals, brands like Nike and State Farm are unlikely to stop working with her after she turns professional.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to stay in college or turn professional is not solely based on financial considerations. Clark may have personal reasons for staying another year, such as completing her master’s degree or a preference for living in a particular city. It is also worth noting that her intention to enter the WNBA Draft is not binding, and she could change her mind based on her team’s performance in the NCAA Tournament.
Regardless of her decision, Caitlin Clark’s talent and skill are undeniable. Wherever she chooses to play, she is sure to attract a significant following. As Andrew Zimbalist, an economics professor at Smith College, stated, “The stage size will shift depending on which stage Caitlin Clark is on.”
As fans eagerly await Clark’s next move, it is clear that she has a bright future ahead of her, both on and off the court. Whether she stays in college or joins the WNBA, her talent and marketability will undoubtedly lead to numerous opportunities and financial success.
