Written By: Gabriella Bardoneschi
Lead: Even with a global push for gender equality, gender pay gaps remain in the world of sports. Female athletes from the field to the court, constantly earn a fraction of what male athletes make. A deeply rooted disparity, demanding urgent attention and action.
The gender pay gap in sports came to my attention when seeing Caitlin Clark’s salary over the next four years, compared to that of Victor Wembanyama’s multimillion dollar contract. Over the next four years, Clark will make $338,056, while Wembanyama will make $55 million. This comparison, and fractional salary shocked many sports fans and women. Especially with Clark being the number one overall pick.
Each league and sports organization has a different compensation structure, and benefits. How much an athletes paid varies depending on the sport. In American sports, female athletes make less than male athletes across the board. When looking at the compensation average of each athlete by gender, specifically the NBA and WNBA. In basketball, male athletes make an average of $10,776,383, compared to female athletes who make an average of $113,295.
Clarks potential of going pro prompted widespread arguments about the economics of the WNBA. I decided to ask the public how the rookie salaries of Caitlin Clark in the WNBA, and Victor Wembanyama in the NBA reflect the broader trends in gender pay disparity in professional sports. My friend Athena said that the rookie salaries of Caitlin Clark and Victor Wembanyama highlighted the gender pay gap. “Even with Clark being a top prospect in the WNBA, she will earn significantly less than Wembanyama, the top pick in the NBA. This widespread debate represents a broader trend where female athletes consistently earn less than male counterparts.” She spoke about where the pay gap comes from, referencing factors such as revenue generation, and commercial viability. Stating, “women's sports have been underfunded and under promoted.” My friend Alex said the difference between Caitlin Clark’s and Victor Wembanyama’s rookie salaries reminded everyone about the existing gender pay gap. “Both athletes are top talents in the league. Clark earning a fraction of Wembanyama only reflected broader societal issues.” Stating, “It can sometimes be frustrating to see talented female athletes like Clark, not receiving the financial recognition they deserve.”
Afterwards, I asked them what factors contribute to the significant differences in salaries between male and female athletes in similar positions or leagues. Athena said many factors contribute to the salary differences. She mentioned revenue generation again, and spoke about how the NBA makes billions of dollars annually from ticket sales, merchandise, and broadcasting. Specifically speaking about how sponsorships, and media coverage creates a cycle where less money leads to lower visibility and revenue. Which only continues the lower WNBA salaries. Alex said “A major factor is the difference in revenue generation between men’s and women’s leagues. Men’s sports generally attract more spectators, higher ticket sales, and more lucrative broadcasting deals.” Stating, “Men's sports have had more time to develop commercially, while women’s sports are still catching up.” He also mentioned how sponsorship deals, and endorsements tend to favor male athletes, further widening the pay gap.
Lastly, I asked them how the disparity in media coverage between male and female sports influenced the gender pay gap. Athena said “Male sports receive more media coverage, and the revenue enables higher salaries for male athletes. While female sports receive less media coverage, limiting visibility, and financial opportunities.” Stating, “The lack of coverage not only affects the earning potential of female athletes, but also impacts public perception.” Alex said “Male sports get far more media attention, which boosts visibility, and attractiveness to sponsors.” Stating, “Male athletes are more marketable, leading to higher salaries, and better endorsement deals.”
Personally, I agree with both of my friends’ opinions. Media coverage directly affects revenue, and consequently the players salary. I think the WNBA will start having more media coverage. Especially having Caitlin Clark filling seats. Nike recently signed Clark to a $28 million shoe deal. She will supposedly have a signature shoe. This is the beginning of leveling the playing field. I think we will start to see more womens sponsorships, and endorsements in the future.