While the WNBA offseason is still underway, Caitlin Clark, star guard for the Indiana Fever, has been making waves in a different arena: golf. This week, she made her debut at the LPGA’s The ANNIKA event in Florida, where she took part in the pro-am competition. Although Clark’s golf swing clearly needs some refinement, it was clear she was enjoying the experience and making the most of her time away from basketball.
In the coming weeks, Clark will shift her focus back to basketball as she prepares for her second season with the Fever. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Clark will be entering the second year of her four-year, $338,000 contract. She will also continue working with coach Stephanie White, who returns for her second stint with the team. Given Clark’s rapid rise in popularity, her agent, Erin Kane, recently spoke out about the intricacies of negotiating deals for a player who has become a major figure in sports.
On the Diggin’ Deep Podcast, Kane explained the challenges and realities of managing the career of someone like Clark, noting that agents don’t always have the power to dictate terms. Instead, it’s about understanding the current landscape and strategically setting a fair market value for a player of Clark’s caliber. “She’s one of one,” Kane said, emphasizing that Clark’s unique talent and growing fanbase make her a rare commodity.
Kane also highlighted that Clark’s appeal goes beyond just her athleticism. Like other iconic athletes such as Serena Williams and Simone Biles, Clark has become a cultural figure whose influence stretches far beyond the basketball court. “It’s not just about how well they play the game, but how they capture the attention of fans,” Kane added. Clark’s ability to connect with a diverse and broad audience has been one of the key factors in her rapid rise to stardom.
In addition to her basketball contract, Clark has secured a number of high-profile endorsements. Her brand partnerships with companies like Nike, Gatorade, and Wilson (who recently launched a new line of basketballs featuring her name) have further cemented her status as one of the most marketable athletes in the world today. For Clark, the future is bright, both on and off the court, as she continues to expand her influence and make her mark in the world of professional sports.
Joe Seph