Donald Trump speaks out about terminating Caitlin Clark’s contract and calls for action from the WNBA | Other | Sport

Donald Trump has spoken out about whether anything can be done about Caitlin Clark’s modest WNBA salary.

The Indiana Fever superstar, who was crowned Rookie of the Year last month, has risen to fame since joining the WNBA. And its soaring stock price has in turn increased the league’s popularity.

Despite this, Clark earned less than £60,000 in wages during her breakthrough season, and the annual increases are only marginal over the course of her four-year contract. The difference between her pay packet and that of an NBA rookie, who should earn at least £900,000 this season, is striking.

WNBA players have taken a stand against their relatively low wages by withdrawing from their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league in hopes of negotiating more favorable terms.

Although several endorsement deals boost her bank balance, Clark is seemingly locked into modest wages with the Fever for the remaining three years of her contract.

Appears on the ‘Let’s go!’ podcast on the eve of the American electionsTrump was asked if anything could be done, including the prospect of Clark and the WNBA tearing up her contract and drafting a new contract.

“Well, it really is that you have to trust the market,” he explained. “You can’t go in and just say, ‘Well, we’re going to break this contract because this person did a good job.’ It sounds unfair, but someone agrees to a contract. Hopefully she sticks with it, and probably will they make a lot of money.”

Trump added that the WNBA could ease tensions in Clark’s case by taking action in the form of a one-time bonus. “It wouldn’t kill the league if the league does well,” he said. “The league could really do something with it because it seems unfair, but you have a lot of that.”

Clark has become a recognizable face in the US, earning her lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Nike, Gatorade and State Farm Insurance.

Trump rates her highly as an athlete, but believes her financial situation at the WNBA should be handled with care. He added: “She’s incredible by the way. I’m watching too. I think she’s incredible.

“It’s a phenomenal thing that she’s got going, but it’s very difficult. When you get involved in recreating markets, it becomes very, very difficult. The downside is bigger than the upside.”