Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s shining star, is yet again proving that her influence extends far beyond the court. Fresh from a phenomenal rookie season with the Indiana Fever and a great outing at the Pelican for The Annika, the point guard is cashing in on her popularity with endorsement deals and speaking gigs. Her latest coup? A $100,000 paycheck for appearing in Patrick Mahomes’ city for an event.

But here’s the thing: Clark’s WNBA salary is a relatively modest $76,000. This staggering gap in her paycheck to what she is getting for appearances is what has got the All-Star’s net worth rising. As Clark’s profile continues to soar, she’s been tapped to headline the Kansas City Women’s Sports Awards luncheon on February 4.

Michael Voepel, an ESPN writer, announced on X, “Kansas City’s annual Women’s Sports Awards luncheon will have @CaitlinClark22 as speaker Feb. 4. It’s been a huge event here in KC last couple decades, but Clark’s presence makes it even bigger: For first time, it will be held at T-Mobile Center, home to Big 12 tournaments.” With her net worth already at $3.1 million and potentially rising with a possibility of Unrivaled’s reported $1 million offer, all eyes are on Clark’s next move.

According to Kansas City Sports, the luncheon will be presented by Burns and McDonnell and will be celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day. Talking about how the aim of the WIN for KC parallels Clark’s vision with her foundation, the organization’s Director Taylor Obersteadt said, “As we recognize incredible women and girls who have made an impact through sports in the Kansas City area, it’s an honor to have one of the preeminent athletes in the world – Caitlin Clark – at the Women’s Sports Awards. Her work through the Caitlin Clark Foundation parallels the work WIN for KC does every day to emphasize the lifetime benefits of sports and physical activity.”

Leading the WNBA in total assists (337), assists per game (8.4), and three-pointers made in the season (122), Clark has ensured her dominance in the league in her rookie season itself. However, her constant support in helping kids and influencing young girls has always been her most attractive athlete skill.

Being on the same page, the first-overall pick this year also resonated, “Sports have played a pivotal role in my life, helping develop critical skills like teamwork, resiliency and confidence that serve me on and off the court. WIN for KC are incredible champions for creating opportunity for girls and women through sports and I’m excited to join them to celebrate those that are making an impact.”

But how does Patrick Mahomes fit into the conversation?

Patrick Mahomes leads the charge for the Kansas City WNBA team

The WNBA is again entering its expansion era. With new franchises being introduced in San Francisco, Toronto, and Portland by 2025, it is looking for two more cities that can drive the sport and the league to its utmost success. And here is where the Chiefs icon comes in. Chances are that Kansas City may soon join the WNBA ranks, thanks to Patrick Mahomes’ enthusiasm.

The Chiefs quarterback, co-owner of the Kansas City Royals and Current, wants to continue his sports involvement post-football. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s expansion plans have fueled Mahomes’ dream, shared by his wife Brittany. Analysts Cathryn Naiker and Freddie Rivas, hosts of The Pick Up podcast, agree that a Kansas City team would thrive.

Naiker cited Kansas’ passion for NCAA basketball and the benefits of independent teams unaffiliated with NBA franchises. Rivas concurred, and Naiker added that a professional women’s team could inspire young fans in conservative states.

The competition for the new franchise is heating up, with over a dozen candidates and a potential price tag exceeding $200 million. Mahomes remains confident that Kansas City would fill stadiums, echoing his desire to create opportunities for his daughter. “Hopefully, we get this WNBA team here… so I can still make an impact in all sports. And then at the same time, showcase to my daughter that she can follow her dream.”

With Mahomes leading the charge, Kansas City’s WNBA prospects look promising. Until then, Caitlin Clark will continue to widen the reach of her effect.