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BROOKLYN, NY — In a whirlwind of dreams realized and futures shaped, the 2024 WNBA Draft unfolded with electric energy as collegiate luminaries like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese stepped onto the stage, ready to etch their names into basketball history. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s nod to the league’s commitment to equity and empowerment set the stage for a night of celebration and anticipation. “Welcome to the W,” Engelbert announced to the draft picks.
The energy surged as athletes flooded into the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Among the top picks in the first round of the draft are two women who have brought much-needed attention to the WNBA: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
The 2024 WNBA’s First Round
Caitlin Clark from Iowa clinched the top spot in the draft, becoming the first pick of the night destined for the Indiana Fever. Caitlin Clark’s widespread recognition and stellar career at Iowa made it hardly unexpected that the Fever would choose her with the number one pick.
Shortly after being selected, Clark stated, “I dreamed of this moment since I was in the second grade.” She later added, “I always believed in myself. I earned this and that’s why I’m so proud of [this moment]. I’m excited to get to Indianapolis.” Following closely was Stanford’s Cameron Brink, bound for the Los Angeles Sparks.
Brazilian transplant Kamilla Cardoso, from the University of South Carolina, is set to join the Chicago Sky. The 2024 NCAA champion tearfully stated, “I had a goal to be here and give my family a better life.”
Rickea Jackson, from the University of Tennessee, will join Brink as a recruit for the Los Angeles Sparks. The Dallas Wings recruit Jacy Sheldon from Ohio State. The Washington Mystics recruit Aaliyah Edwards, a Canadian hailing from UConn.
“I’m excited to learn from my vets,” LSU’s Reese said. With tears of joy falling, she then adds, “A kid from Baltimore isn’t supposed to be here.”
Alissa Pili from the University of Utah is set to join the Minnesota Lynx. Two French transplants are making waves: Carla Leite will team up with Sheldon in Dallas, while Leïla Lacan secures a spot with the Connecticut Sun. Additionally, Marquesha Davis from Ole Miss is headed to the New York Liberty, and Nyadiew Puoch from Australia is bound for the Atlanta Dream.
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What’s in Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark’s 2024 WNBA Draft rookie contracts?
The glaring disparity in pay between the NBA and the WNBA reflects deeply entrenched gender biases within the sports industry. Despite their comparable levels of dedication, skill, and athleticism, female basketball players in the WNBA earn substantially less than their male counterparts in the NBA.
Caitlin Clark’s compensation stands at $338,056, a figure notably lower than the multi-million dollar contracts typically secured by NBA first-round draft picks. The first overall slot for last year’s NBA draft pick, Victor Wembanyama, secured a $55.2 million four-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs.
The specifics of Angel Reese’s rookie contract have surfaced following her selection as the No. 7 overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft. As reported by Spotrac, Reese’s contract entails earning $324,383 over the span of the next four seasons.
However, despite this, the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game featuring the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes captured considerable interest, attracting 18.9 million viewers as per Nielsen’s live-plus-same-day data. For comparison, the 2023 NBA Finals averaged 11.64 million viewers in the United States. This significant viewership translated into multi-million-dollar advertising revenue.
Embracing the Dawn: A New Era Dawns in the WNBA
As the 2024 WNBA Draft ended, emotions filled the Brooklyn Academy of Music. From tears of joy to dreams fulfilled, the night pulsated with the promise of a new era in women’s basketball. Caitlin Clark joins the Indiana Fever, while Angel Reese heads to the Chicago Sky. These athletes symbolize resilience, determination, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence.
As Commissioner Cathy Engelbert welcomed them into the league, her words echoed a resounding message. It was one of empowerment and equity, setting the stage for a future where every hoop dream is within reach. As the WNBA continues to shine brightly, fueled by the talent and dedication of its players, one thing remains clear: the “The W” has only just begun.