It is well-known that there is a huge disparity in the salaries of the NBA and WNBA players. Over the years, many WNBA players have raised their voices about the paycheck difference. Recently, with the WNBA draft taking place only a few days ago, the number one pick provided some insight no how big names like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark transform the pay structure of the WNBA.
The Indiana Fever had the number one pick in the 2023 WNBA draft. The team went with the University of South Carolina player, Aliyah Boston, who recently addressed how the salaries of WNBA players could increase in the near future.
Aliyah Boston makes headlines that may benefit Angel Reese and more
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Aliyah Boston spoke to TMZ Sports right after the WNBA draft and touched upon the trending topic of NIL deals, as compared to the salaries of WNBA players. NIL deals help an athlete make money off of their image, name, and likeness after signing a contract that ensures ownership.
Currently, the LSU star Angel Reese has been earning way more than many WNBA players in the league after signing a NIL deal. Players like A’ja Wilson and Diana Taurasi tend to make way less than Reese at the moment. Reese’s NIL evaluation took a huge leap to $ 1,300,000 after the NCAA Final that gained a lot of traction in the hoop world.
So, according to Aliyah Boston, by the time Reese or Caitlin Clark both make it into the league, the WNBA would be forced to increase their salaries. While talking to TMZ Sports, the 21-year-old also predicted that the popularity of these young college players will help grow the women’s game, “Everything that’s happening is to grow the game…I just think no matter how it goes, I just think it’s all just to grow the game.”
Angel Reese’s NIL value skyrockets to $1.3 million https://t.co/K6rrnhlhKo pic.twitter.com/Qmr9qrbRE0
— New York Post (@nypost) April 12, 2023
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Boston gave Angel Reese a lot of credit for being a ‘killer’ on the basketball court as well. Her candid take came shortly after Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal had some harsh words for Caitlin Clark in his recent podcast. Shaq mentioned how in order to be immortalized, one has to win, as no one remembers the one who came in second.
Given that both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have already been earning more than what many WNBA players earn, this could benefit the entire league’s players in terms of what they get paid as compared to before.
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