Caitlin Clark (L) and Paige Bueckers are redefining women's...

 

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers are changing the landscape of women’s basketball, but it’s not just their on-court brilliance that sets them apart-it’s the privileges they enjoy that WNBA legend Sue Bird never had.

From lucrative endorsements to massive fanbases built through social media and the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, today’s young stars have advantages Bird could only dream of during her college years.

In a candid discussion on The Deal podcast by Bloomberg Originals, Bird highlighted the game-changing influence of NIL, which allows athletes to profit from their personal brands.

“When I was at UConn, I had a huge following, but that didn’t transfer to the WNBA,” Bird explained. “Now, players like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers have built massive brands in college, and they’re carrying those fanbases straight into the pros. NIL plays a huge role in that.”

The massive net worth of new talents

Clark, whose rookie year in the WNBA shattered records, is a prime example of this phenomenon. With a net worth of $3.8 million, she’s not just a standout player but a marketing powerhouse. Her rise has been instrumental in driving record-breaking viewership and attendance for the league.

As Clark’s star continues to soar, the basketball world is already anticipating Paige Bueckers’ impact when she enters the 2025 WNBA Draft. A projected No. 1 pick, Bueckers is poised to replicate Clark’s success.

With a net worth estimated at $1.5 million and a massive fanbase built during her years at UConn, she’s set to make waves before even stepping onto a WNBA court.

The blessing of the NIL

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Bird also pointed out that the removal of the NIL ban in 2021 has created a unique connection for today’s players: a seamless transition of influence from college to the pros. “The fire was already burning,” Bird said. “But players like Clark and Bueckers are pouring gasoline on it.”

With legends like Bird and Candace Parker praising this evolution, it’s clear that the future of women’s basketball is brighter than ever, driven by a new era of opportunity for its young stars.