The WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick is putting pay disparity in the center circle.

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The Story

The WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick is putting pay disparity in the center circle.

This is about Caitlin Clark?

Yes. Earlier this week, the Indiana Fever added the Iowa college basketball star to its roster. After setting multiple records this year, Clark’s move to the WNBA didn’t come as a surprise. But the same couldn’t be said about her rookie salary. In her first year, Clark will be paid $76,535. That’s way less — roughly 137 times less, to be exact — than the NBA’s top draft pick, who’s expected to earn $10.5 million in his first year. News of her contract has many people scratching their heads. 

Why the gap? 

It’s what many are asking. The leagues set up the contracts, with the NBA granting its players 50% of the league’s total revenue. The WNBA reportedly only gives about 10%. For decades, female basketball players have called for a fairer cut of the pie — even if that pie is smaller. Case in point: The WNBA brings in $200 million in revenue a year, compared to the NBA’s more than $10 billion. Still, the tide could be changing.

Go on.

Last year, the WNBA had its most-watched regular season in 21 years. The league could also expand to 16 teams by 2028. The WNBA’s rise in popularity may bring in more investments from networks and advertisers. Maybe then, female players won’t need to travel abroad or rely on endorsement deals to try and even the playing field. 

theSkimm

Clark’s salary has put a spotlight on pay disparity. It’s got many highlighting how far leagues like the WNBA have to go when it comes to investments in women’s sports. 

What people are watching…

Iran. Last night, US officials said Israel carried out missile strikes against Iran. Iranian state media also reported explosions were heard in the central city of Isfahan. The strikes come days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said Israel would decide how to respond, amid warnings from world leaders to show restraint. The Iranian foreign minister had warned that its response to Israel’s retaliation would be “immediate and at a maximum level.” But, Iran appeared to downplay the strike in what could be a move to avoid a wider regional conflict.

What reached a milestone…

Former President Trump’s trial. Twelve jurors have been selected in Trump’s hush money case. It comes after Judge Juan Merchan excused two jurors yesterday, amid privacy and credibility concerns. At least one alternate juror has also been picked, with five more needed. Once that’s done, the trial could move on to opening statements as early as Monday. In the meantime, Merchan — who’s kept prospective jurors’ names private — has ordered journalists to stop reporting on the jurors’ employers due to privacy reasons.

Where people made their voices heard…

Google. Earlier this week, it fired 28 employees following protests against the company’s tech contract with the Israeli government. Employees staged sit-ins at Google’s offices in New York and California. Google said the protesters violated its policies when they prevented other employees from accessing the company’s facilities. The firings mark the latest point in tensions between employees and Google amid the Israel-Hamas war.

What’s causing a stir…

An apparent album leak. Swifties went berserk after a Google Drive link allegedly containing Taylor Swift’s new album leaked online. “The Tortured Poets Department” dropped at midnight, and has reportedly received mixed reviews. Hopefully there’s no bad blood.

Where consumers should toss their fresh basil from Trader Joe’s…

These 29 states.

What you should file this one under…

Another way you could have become a millionaire.

Whose July 4th will be sweeter…

Prince Harry’s.

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