Darren Rovell slammed for claiming Caitlin Clark will “lose money” in WNBA
YouTube: Iowa Hawkeyes, YouTube: The Dan Patrick ShowCollege basketball star Caitlin Clark’s announced that she is entering the WNBA Draft this year, but reporter Darren Rovell’s comments are drawing ire from fans.
Clark was set to leave Iowa University as one of the greatest college basketball players, male or female, of all time.
The 6-foot guard recently became the all-time leading scorer in college basketball history, with her sites set on leading the Hawkeyes to an NCAA title in March.
Despite having another season of eligibility, the senior announced on February 29 that she would be ending her storied career and entering the WNBA draft in 2024.
Rovell blasted for saying WNBA is a “pay cut” for Clark
After Clark took to X to thank the Iowa faithful for their support as she prepares to end her college career, sports reporter Darren Rovell sent a snarky reply.
“Headline,” the former ESPN reported wrote, “Caitlin Clark chooses a $750,000 paycut.”
This was meant to be a joke at the expense of the WNBA, as the number one overall pick in their draft would be eligible to earn a maximum annual salary of $76,535 in her rookie year. Her current NIL earnings at Iowa are valued at $910,000, so the “pay cut” could actually be more than Rovell announced.
However, many on X were quick to point out that, although Clark would no longer be paid through Iowa’s NIL collective, she wouldn’t lose the endorsements that make up most of her NIL earnings.
In addition, Athletic reporter Nicole Auerbach pointed out that most of Clark’s deals are with brands outside of Iowa’s and slammed collective Rovell for his take.
Basketball fans across the internet agreed, with many calling out Rovell for his “clown” take.
Before Clark enters the WNBA, however, she still has to finish out the NCAA season. Iowa will face #2 Ohio State for their final game of the season on March 3 before the Big Ten tournament and the NCAA tournament to follow.
