SouthernWorldwide.com – Basketball legend Nancy Lieberman attributes the significant improvements in the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and player salaries to the impact of Caitlin Clark.
Lieberman stated that Clark, a “generational player,” arrived with a substantial existing fanbase, which has been instrumental in elevating the league’s profile.
She emphasized that the recent $2.2 billion collective bargaining agreement would likely not have been achieved without Clark’s presence in the WNBA.
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association finalized a new CBA in March, introducing substantial pay increases, an expanded salary cap, and enhanced player benefits.
This new agreement is a seven-year deal that establishes a groundbreaking revenue-sharing model, allocating an average of 20% of league and team revenues to players.
The CBA nearly quintuples the team salary cap and includes significant upgrades to player benefits, family planning support, and facility standards.
Lieberman believes Clark’s entry into the league has ushered in a new era for the WNBA.
She highlighted Clark’s ability to attract media attention, noting that discussions about her are far more prevalent than they were for other players in previous years.
Lieberman drew parallels between Clark’s influence on the WNBA and the impact Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods had on their respective sports.
“She’s done her job, just like Tiger did, just like Michael Jordan did,” Lieberman remarked.
Clark joined the WNBA in 2024, following a highly successful college career at Iowa. Her arrival immediately translated into massive television viewership, sold-out arenas, and a national conversation that extended from her college days into her professional career.
Lieberman suggested that the increased attention Clark brings does not detract from other players but rather exposes the entire league to a wider audience.
“Now, you take A’ja, you take Napheesa, you take Stewie, you take Kelsey Plum, and you take Sabrina, and all these other great athletes, and now you put them together — that’s very formidable,” Lieberman commented.
She added that current players entering the league benefit from the immense fanbases established by stars like Clark. These players were already earning substantial incomes through NIL deals in college, and they have brought that momentum into the professional league.
“We shouldn’t be jealous of them,” Lieberman advised. “We should celebrate them, not tolerate them.”
Despite championship expectations, Clark’s Indiana Fever have had a slower start to the 2026 season. The team came close to reaching the WNBA Finals in 2025, even with Clark sidelined due to injury.
Currently, Indiana holds a 6-5 record, and Clark has experienced a noticeable dip in her shooting accuracy this season.
However, Lieberman expressed confidence that the Fever will perform better as the season progresses.
She noted that other teams now intensely prepare for games against the Fever, similar to how players once circled matchups against Michael Jordan.
“You see the schedule and you get amped up for the Fever because you’re dealing with some of the most famous players in the league,” Lieberman explained.
She extended this sentiment to other prominent players and teams, mentioning Angel Reese as another example of a player who generates significant excitement.
“Same with Angel Reese. So, it’s just part of it, people used to get amped for Michael Jordan. It’s okay, you’ve created a reputation for yourself, you’ve been able to exceed the reputation, and people want to play against the best,” Lieberman said.
She further elaborated that this phenomenon applies to other marquee teams and star players as well.
“It’s like the Aces,” Lieberman stated. “You look at the schedule and you go, ‘We’re playing A’ja Wilson,’ and you get amped up for this. Same with Angel Reese.”
