WNBA refusing to adhere to its players’ demands has taken the league by storm. For almost 15 months, WNBPA has been at loggerheads with the leadership. Unfortunately, until now, no positive news about a new CBA deal has been announced.
Adding further to the tensions, the WNBA’s release of the 2026 schedule has further angered the likes of A’ja Wilson, Azura Stevens, and more. However, as the tensions are building up, a recent update about Trinity Rodman has shaken the core of the WNBA’s salary structure.
Trinity Rodman’s NWSL Contract Makes Caitlin Clark’s Salary Look Minuscule
The Washington Spirit recently made waves in the women’s soccer fraternity. In a recent update, the Spirit has finalized a deal with Rodman, which is worth more than $2 million per year. As bonuses will be included separately, such a contract will make Rodman draw the highest salary in the history of the league.
Unfortunately, while the news is a welcome one in the female sporting realm, comparing it with the WNBA salaries will reveal a massive rift. According to data from Sportrac, the Las Vegas Aces’ Jackie Young had the highest contract back in 2025. Yet, she drew a $252,450 salary, which looks quite less than that of Rodman.
Trinity Rodman has finally signed a record contract with the Washington Spirit worth more than $2 million annually.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 24, 2026
Her signature is not the end, but an inflection point that will impact women’s soccer globally.
✍️ @melanieanzidei, @itsmeglinehanhttps://t.co/oxIAEATQdB pic.twitter.com/ac2jTACQnD
Making matters worse, players who are still on rookie deals have been earning way less. And surprisingly, Caitlin Clark’s name is at the top of this list. Despite being the face of the league, Clark’s salary is just worth $84,514 annually. And such a massive pay gap only goes on to show the sorry state of affairs at the WNBA. Meanwhile, speaking about the impact of Clark on the league, her injury absence resulted in a massive drop in popularity for the Indiana Fever.
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Caitlin Clark’s Absence Diminishes Indiana Fever Face Value
The Indiana Fever and the WNBA have been on the rise with the arrival of Clark. Sadly, as the 2024 Rookie of the Year sat out of the 2025 season due to injury, the teams opting to play Fever at a bigger arena diminished significantly.
“In recent years, WNBA teams have moved games to bigger arenas to accommodate a higher demand from fans. A majority of those games were for matchups against the Fever as Caitlin Clark was a huge draw for fans. Last season, nine games had location changes for teams playing the Fever. This season, that number is down to four,” read an update from Sporting News on Instagram.
Thus, as the demands for equal pay continue to rise, fans will be looking forward to hearing some positive news from the WNBA.