After being hailed as the WNBA’s top draft pick for 2024, Caitlin Clark, known for her exceptional talent that has revolutionized women’s college basketball viewership, is set to enter the professional realm. However, despite her monumental achievement, the disparity in earnings between WNBA and NBA players has sparked widespread outrage.

According to The Washington Post, Clark’s salary as the number one WNBA draft pick is a mere $76,535 annually. This pales in comparison to the NBA’s number one draft pick, who stands to earn over $10 million. The stark difference highlights the glaring gender pay gap prevalent in professional sports.

To put things into perspective, Clark’s outfit at the draft, estimated to be worth approximately 22% of her yearly salary by Business Insider, underscores the incongruity between her earnings and those of her male counterparts. Such revelations have elicited a range of reactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

From genuine astonishment to resigned acceptance, Twitter users expressed their dismay at Clark’s comparatively meager salary. Some pointed out the irony of her potential eligibility for low-income housing in affluent areas like San Francisco, while others highlighted the vast discrepancy by likening her earnings to those of entry-level positions in various industries.

Despite the potential for endorsement deals to supplement her income, many argued that such arrangements should not overshadow the systemic issue of unequal pay. The sentiment that Clark’s salary is a form of “highway robbery” resonated with numerous individuals, who emphasized the injustice of her situation.

While some urged greater support for the WNBA through increased viewership and merchandise purchases, others emphasized the fundamental principle of fair compensation for athletes’ skills and contributions. The notion that Clark’s earnings represent less than 1% of her male counterpart’s salary epitomizes the entrenched gender inequities pervasive in professional sports.

Ultimately, Clark’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and fair treatment in the realm of athletics. As advocates continue to champion for parity, her story underscores the imperative of addressing systemic biases and advocating for equitable compensation across all levels of sports.