Caitlin Clark’s massive raise is already dictating Fever’s offseason
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Caitlin Clark’s massive raise is already dictating Fever’s offseason
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Caitlin Clark’s massive raise is already dictating Fever’s offseason
By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Apr 13, 2026 8:01 AM ET
After months of back and forth to get a new CBA in place, free agency is finally rolling in the WNBA, and the first days have been a total frenzy.
However, unlike other franchises, the Indiana Fever can’t afford to throw money and long-term deals left and right, as they have plenty of planning to do around Caitlin Clark.
Clark, one of the faces of women’s basketball and potentially one of the primary driving forces behind this significant rise in players’ salaries, will make significantly more money in her third year in the league. Her check is going from roughly $85K last season to around $528K this year, per The Athletic.
More than that, as ESPN’s Alexa Philippou explained, she’ll be eligible for an even bigger bump in her salary next season, so the Fever may have to make some sacrifices.
The Fever are building around Caitlin Clark
“Not shocking to see Indiana dealing out one-year deals (Kelsey Mitchell too). Remember, Caitlin Clark can get a big salary bump next year under the new EPIC provision (Aliyah Boston is eligible for it this year). Fever would have to do some retooling to fit everyone
The Fever just re-signed fan favorites Sophie Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull all to one-year deals. That might be because of Clark’s impending salary raise, although it’s also a smart business decision since the salary cap will rise again next year and they’ll have a shot at a bigger payday.
The WNBA continues to grow, and there will certainly be an adjustment period throughout the expansion. Regardless, teams often have to make concessions for their superstars, and there’s no doubt that Clark’s stellar play has been a catalyst for the newfound interest and ever-growing platform.
Still, if Clark fulfills her potential and keeps blossoming as one of the best players in the game, it won’t be long before multiple veterans happily agree to take pay cuts to team up with her.
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