Caitlin Clark explains why WNBA Draft decision was 'so difficult'

As the 2023-24 season went along, Caitlin Clark knew she had a decision to make. With a fifth year in her back pocket thanks to the COVID-19 waiver, she had the option to return to Iowa and forego the 2024 WNBA Draft – even though she was the projected No. 1 overall pick.

The conversations went on from those on the outside. Would Clark continue to build on the scoring records she went on to set? Or would she go to the WNBA, presumably with the Indiana Fever, to take her talents to the professional level?

For some, it seemed like a no-brainer decision to turn pro. But for Clark, it wasn’t so simple.

“I think there’s pros and cons to both sides. And that’s what made the decision so difficult,” Clark told Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts. “It was almost a win-win, but at the same time, a lose-lose because I was giving up something.”

The “something” Clark would give up by going to the WNBA was her teammates. She has spoken at length about the bond they share, and she gave them all Nike shoes as gifts through her NIL deal with the company. Clark also said the reason she announced her draft declaration ahead to Iowa’s Senior Night was to keep the spotlight on her fellow seniors.

Ultimately, Clark said, the decision came down to what’s best for her.

“I’m just kind of ready for the next chapter and a new challenge in my life,” Clark said. “I think the reason I decided to announce it when I did was just to have that closure, especially going into Senior Night.”

By heading to the WNBA, Clark will also be able to take her rapidly growing brand to the professional ranks. Since she broke Kelsey Plum and Pete Maravich’s respective scoring records, her On3 NIL Valuation has skyrocketed to $3.1 million. That puts her at No. 4 in the On3 NIL 100 – the first of its kind and defacto NIL ranking of the top 100 high school and college athletes ranked by their On3 NIL Valuation – and atop the On3 College Women’s Basketball NIL Ranking.

Of course, the discussion about Clark’s plans for the draft also included what role NIL would play. Some argued she’d take a “pay cut” by going to the league. However, she doesn’t have any deals with the Swarm Collective, Iowa’s primary NIL collective. That means her endorsement deals with Gatorade, State Farm and Panini America will go with her to the next level.

As a result, she’ll be able to add those agreements to her WNBA salary – and further capitalize on becoming a top draft pick.

“Absolutely, this is a great business decision,” Hannah Valente, a WNBA and NBA agent for Raymond Representation, told On3’s Pete Nakos. “Look at the road sellouts for Caitlin Clark this season. That same effect will carry over to the WNBA. She’s a captivating player who will have more opportunities to travel to large markets in the league.

“She has the opportunity to be the face of any kind of brand and triple her WNBA salary with endorsements. Caitlin can sell jerseys at the next level just like she has because of NIL.”