The WNBA star opened up about her disappointment at the 2024 draft during a reunion with her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammates
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From Left: Caitlin Clark and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the 2024 Draft on April 15
Caitlin Clark remembered feeling “so upset” after being picked first overall in the 2024 WNBA draft.
During a recent discussion on the Fresh Talk podcast, where she reunited with her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammates, Kate Martin and Gabbie Marshall, the Indiana Fever player shared her disappointment right after commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced her selection.
The 2024 rookie of the year expressed her frustration at being “so upset” during the draft because she was immediately taken away after her selection, missing out on the rest of the event. She mentioned that she didn’t even get to see her friend Kate get drafted.
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The period following Clark’s selection by the Fever was hectic for the basketball standout, as she mentioned that she didn’t even take photos with her loved ones at the event.
Clark’s appearance on Fresh Talk, hosted by Jada Gyamfi, a current Hawkeyes junior forward, coincides with reports that she was offered a $1 million salary along with an equity stake to join Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier’s Unrivaled 3×3 league roster, as per Sports Business Journal.
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From Left: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark of Team WNBA on July 20, 2024
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This would represent a significant salary upgrade for Clark, whose earnings in the WNBA were initially expected to be $76,535 in her first season based on typical league contracts for newcomers.
After expanding the roster to 36 players from 30, the league is giving Clark the liberty to take her time in considering the offer, as reported by Sports Business Journal.
Clark is currently in her first WNBA offseason following an impressive rookie year that culminated in her being named the 2024 rookie of the year by both the league and the Associated Press. She boasted averages of 19.2 points, 8.4 assists (leading in the WNBA), 5.7 rebounds, and 1.33 steals this season.
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