Although Caitlin Clark’s profession is simply starting, comparisons to Michael Jordan have been inevitable. Just like the NBA icon, the Indiana Fever guard entered the WNBA breaking data and boosting scores. However in keeping with Jordan’s former agent, David Falk, that is not sufficient.
Now in her second skilled season-and recent off successful the 2024 Rookie of the 12 months award-Clark faces rising expectations. Falk, specifically, believes she has the potential to be a game-changer in contract negotiations between the league and the Girls’s Nationwide Basketball Gamers Affiliation (WNBPA), which have reached a essential juncture.
Though the present collective bargaining settlement was set to final till 2027, the WNBPA opted out early to start negotiating higher phrases for its gamers. With the arrival of superstars like Clark, Cameron Brink, and Angel Reese, each viewership and income have surged, and the union is pushing for improved circumstances.
Falk insists Clark may play a pivotal position in these discussions-just as Jordan as soon as may have.
Clark as a union chief?
In an interview with Sportico, Falk emphasised the significance of the league’s prime gamers taking an lively position in contract negotiations. “It is necessary for the highest gamers to be concerned, as a result of that is who the group homeowners respect,” he stated.
Jordan’s involvement within the NBA’s 1998 labor negotiations proved pivotal. Though the Bulls legend had initially stayed out of talks, his determination to step in in the end resolved the deadlock.
Falk by no means requested Jordan to intervene, however the GOAT’s involvement helped save a season that was already six months not on time. Now, the previous agent believes Clark may do the same-probably stopping a lockout if the union and league fail to succeed in an settlement by 12 months’s finish.
What’s the WNBA preventing for?
One of many WNBPA’s largest calls for in negotiations is a considerable enhance in participant salaries-including a proposed “supermax” contract value round $1 million yearly. The union can also be advocating for enhanced advantages, comparable to entry to household planning providers and improved retirement packages.
The Fever star has but to take a powerful stance on union issues, but when Falk’s prediction proves right, her involvement might be a defining second in her legacy-one that extends far past the courtroom.
