WNBA legend Nancy Lieberman stated that Caitlin Clark has significantly influenced the league's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which has resulted in higher salaries for players. Lieberman described Clark as a generational player who has brought a substantial fan base to the league. She emphasized that the recent surge in attention has positively impacted the financial future of the WNBA.
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association reached a tentative new CBA in March, which includes major salary increases, a larger salary cap, and enhanced player benefits. This seven-year labor deal introduces a revenue-sharing model, increasing the team salary cap and improving player benefits, including family planning and facility standards.
Lieberman compared Clark’s impact on the WNBA to that of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods in their respective sports. She noted that Clark's presence has helped elevate the visibility of other players in the league. Lieberman mentioned that the attention brought by Clark benefits the entire league rather than detracting from it.
Clark, who entered the WNBA in 2024 after a successful college career at Iowa, has attracted large television audiences and sold-out arenas. Lieberman expressed confidence in the Indiana Fever's performance despite a slow start to the 2026 season, suggesting that teams are now eager to compete against them due to their star players, similar to the excitement surrounding matchups with Michael Jordan in the past.
