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Caitlin Clark’s WNBA Salary Sparks Discussion

April 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Caitlin Clark was drafted by the Indiana Fever with the number one pick in the WNBA draft Monday night. The most decorated woman in college sports has been must-see TV in college, where she starred for Iowa. Now she has all eyes on her and the WNBA, leading a stacked draft class and, hopefully, a boom in popularity for the league. Clark led Iowa to the national championship game, where the Hawkeyes lost to South Carolina. The final game was the first time the women’s tournament got more viewers than the men’s, and Clark was the biggest reason.

It is well known that the WNBA isn’t at the NBA’s level when it comes to salaries. Moreover, it’s a league that is still young and growing. Caitlin Clark’s rookie contract was revealed during the draft, and the numbers were startling for such a big star. Fans and those tuning in due to the popularity of the recent women’s NCAA tournament were shocked. Nevertheless, it’s a reminder of how far the WNBA still has to go.

Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Salary Revealed

https://t.co/hqF3Oq155B pic.twitter.com/Q5cmWaMz9c

— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 15, 2024

Caitlin Clark’s salary pales in comparison to her NBA counterparts. Many fans were in disbelief at how much that salary is for such a famous and generationally talented player. Those unfamiliar with the grind of the WNBA are in for a reality check. Many longtime fans are excited about Clark and players like Angel Reese because of their potential to draw eyes to the women’s game. More eyes and better ratings equal more money, which is why the league is pushing its newest star so heavily. It is still shocking to see it spelled out so clearly.

Caitlin Clark is ok, though. If you watched the draft, you probably saw her in at least three different commercials. The NIL rules in college allowed stars like Clark and Reese to make money off their talent. Her WNBA salary is probably pocket change compared to her endorsement deal with State Farm. Many WNBA players go overseas to play when the season is over to make significantly more money. Caitlin Clark has put a big spotlight on the WNBA. A lot is riding on her success at the next level.

[Via]

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Caitlin Clark Joins “SNL” To Troll Michael Che For Jokes About Women’s Basketball

April 14, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Caitlin Clark made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live, this weekend, joining Colin Jost and Michael Che for the “Weekend Update” segment. In doing so, she trolled Che for the jokes he’s made about women’s basketball over the years. She instructed Che to read from a list of jokes she had prepared for the show, which all poked fun at the comedian.

“This year, Caitlin Clark broke the record for 3-pointers in a single season and I have 3-pointers for Michael Che,” he said. “One, be. Two, funnier. Three, dumbass.” She finished the segment by giving a shoutout to “Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper, the great Dawn Staley, and my basketball hero, Maya Moore.” She added: “These are the women that kicked down the door so I could walk inside. So, I want to thank them tonight for laying the foundation.”

Caitlin Clark & Iowa Take On South Carolina In The National Championship

CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 07: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts in the second half during the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on April 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Speaking with the Associated Press on Sunday, Clark revealed she first heard she might be able to appear on the show during the Final Four. “I didn’t know the script until I showed up and saw it, and was like this is very good,” Clark told the outlet. “Set them straight about women’s sports was pretty phenomenal. The crowd was great. Way more nervous than I get for a basketball game. A bucket list item.”

Caitlin Clark Joins “Weekend Update”

Clark’s appearance on SNL, comes as she prepares for the WNBA draft, which will go down on Monday in New York City. The Indiana Fever will likely pick her first overall after her historic college career. Be on the lookout for further updates on Caitlin Clark on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

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Angel Reese Reveals Her WNBA Decision To Vogue

April 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Angel Reese is easily one of the most electrifying players we have seen in college basketball. Overall, she has had a friendly rivalry with Caitlin Clark, who some believe can become the greatest women’s hooper ever. The two played each other on Monday, and it was an instant classic game. Since that time, Reese has been put in an impossible position. She had to decide whether or not she would stay at LSU for another year, or go to the WNBA. Ultimately, this is a harder decision than it looks, mostly because of the NIL factor.

Today, Reese revealed her decision on in a new feature for Vogue. In this feature, Reese explained just how hard it was to make the decision. However, it is now confirmed that Reese has declared for the WNBA draft. She will now be in a draft class with Clark, and will likely be a lottery pick. In fact, it is very likely that she is the second pick in the draft. No matter what, this ushers in the end of an era at LSU. Reese was phenomenal with the school, and fans will remember her time there fondly.

Angel Reese Makes Up Her Mind

Grateful for these last four years and excited for this next chapter. #BAYOUBARBIEOUT pic.twitter.com/EvkzUW08JV

— Angel Reese (@Reese10Angel) April 3, 2024

While she did win a National title, things haven’t always been easy. Reese has been the subject of racist attacks and bad faith criticism while at LSU. She has also been the victim of sexism and AI-generated nudes. This is all because she plays with confidence, and some simply don’t like that. Regardless, her WNBA career is promising, and we can’t wait to see her face off against the Caitlin Clark at the professional level.

Let us know what you think of Angel Reese’s decision, in the comments section down below. Do you believe she should have stayed an extra year in the NCAA? Where do you think she will go in the draft? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

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Lil Durk One-Ups Ice Cube’s Offer For Caitlin Clark With $10 Million Deal Of His Own

April 2, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Lil Durk offered Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark $10 million to play ball with his team following her 41-point performance against LSU in the Elite Eight on Monday night. The proposition comes after Ice Cube made a similar offer for Clark to join the BIG3 league in addition to the WNBA. Responding to Complex’s coverage of Cube’s offer, Durk wrote on Twitter: “I got 10 million come play with my 3.”

As for Cube’s offer, he explained why he wants Clark in the BIG3 on Instagram. “We intended the offer to remain private while Caitlin Clark plays for the championship. But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark,” he began.“Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3. The skeptics laughed when we made Nancy Lieberman the first female coach of a men’s pro team, and she won the championship in her first year. “Then Lisa Leslie won it all in year two. With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes.”

Caitlin Clark Celebrates Win Over LSU

ALBANY, NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Iowa Hawkeyes cuts down the net after defeating the LSU Tigers during the Elite Eight round of the 2024 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament held at MVP Arena on April 1, 2024 in Albany, New York. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)

When asked about the situation, Clark said her focus is on her current team while speaking to the media ahead of the Sweet Sixteen. “To be honest, I found out about the BIG3 thing at the exact time you all did, and my main focus is on just playing basketball,” she said at the time. “I honestly don’t talk about those things with really anybody. I have other people that deal with it, and they haven’t said a word to me about it. My main focus is on this team and helping us find a way to beat Colorado and hopefully win another one after that.”

Lil Durk Reaches Out To Caitlin Clark

I got 10 million come play with my 3

— THE VOICE (@lildurk) April 2, 2024

Clark and her Iowa teammates will take on UConn in the Final Four, later this week. Be on the lookout for further updates on Caitlin Clark and Lil Durk on HotNewHipHop.

[Via]

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Caitlin Clark Offered $5 Million To Join Big 3 League and Still Play in WNBA

March 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Caitlin Clark is positioned to be basketball’s first $5 million woman if she accepts the deal from the Big3 league, a 3-on-3 basketball league owned and operated by Ice Cube.

The iconic West Coast rapper turned business mogul and let the basketball world know he meant business when he spoke about the no-brainer offer to Caitlin Clark.

“Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3,” he posted on X. He also pointed out that the Big3 had a track record of breaking down barriers with female coaches like Nancy Lieberman and Lisa Leslie.

“With our offer, Caitlin Clark can make history and break down even more barriers for women athletes,” Cube said.

Cube even weighed in on the Big3 being a better alternative to earn a living in the WNBA offseason rather than going overseas. “And they should have more than just one professional option in the US at a time when American pro sports leagues are being infiltrated by autocratic, anti-women regimes such as Qatar,” he said. “Our pathbreaking offer to Caitlin Clark demonstrates that BIG3 now offers another choice for athletes.”

Here’s what the deal basics look like based on sources to TMZ, who know the offer … $5 million to play eight regular-season games and possibly two playoff games! That’s it—10 games for $5 mil, guaranteed.

We’re told Clark would also get “substantial additional compensation” generated from merchandising and sponsorship revenue. What’s even more important is that Big3 would still allow Clark to play in the WNBA, and there would only be two games in scheduling conflict, so that looks like a win all around if she accepts Cube’s deal.

The post Caitlin Clark Offered $5 Million To Join Big 3 League and Still Play in WNBA first appeared on The Source.

The post Caitlin Clark Offered $5 Million To Join Big 3 League and Still Play in WNBA appeared first on The Source.

Caitlin Clark Focused On Iowa, Not WNBA

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Despite declaring for the WNBA earlier this week, Caitlin Clark is focused solely on the rest of her time at Iowa. “Obviously, my focus is here. My goal is to win a national title, that’s plain and simple. And to be honest, I’m not really looking that far ahead to the WNBA.” Clark said. Furthermore, Clark said that she announced her decision so it didn’t distract from the regular-season finale against Ohio State. “They need to be celebrated the same way that I will be. I want it to just be a celebration of what we’ve been able to give to this program and what we’ve been able to do,” Clark said of her teammates.

Furthermore, Clark said that she is simply looking forward to seeing out the rest of her college career. “And I think that’s my biggest focus going into the rest of the year: Just smile, have fun, play free. That’s really when I play my best basketball, so I’m excited,” Clark said.

Kevin Durant Gives Caitlin Clark Her Flowers

Caitlin Clark’s full response when I asked about her announcement coming before senior day. She wants the attention to be on her teammates and not on her.

Video via: @owensiebring https://t.co/WNl7PCfdxn pic.twitter.com/uxJhZ36MRx

— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) March 1, 2024

Meanwhile, Kevin Durant has hyped up Caitlin Clark as recently spoke on the first time he saw her play. “I was watching her the summer going into her senior year. I was in Chicago and happened to see the AAU Girls Nationals. She was in the U-17 Championship. They played together so smooth but she was always leading that sh-t. She always had the ball in her hands, everybody was playing off her.

Clark was the No. 4 recruit in the class of 2020 behind Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink. Now Clark, four years later, is all but set to repeat as National Player of the Year, has broken numerous records, and is widely considered one of the greatest college players of all time. All that’s missing from her trophy cabinet is a National Championship. Clark’s Iowa team was set as 2-seed in the most recent committee reveal. They will finish their regular season against Ohio State this weekend. However, the Buckeyes have already captured the Big Ten title.

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Kevin Durant Gives Caitlin Clark Her Flowers

March 1, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Kevin Durant has hyped up Caitlin Clark as recently spoke on the first time he saw her play. “I was watching her the summer going into her senior year. I was in Chicago and happened to see the AAU Girls Nationals. She was in the U-17 Championship. They played together so smooth but she was always leading that sh-t. She always had the ball in her hands, everybody was playing off her.

Caitlin Clark Declares For WNBA Draft

KD Speaking on the first time he saw Caitlin Clark play, let’s you know how built for this she was!! pic.twitter.com/EFdchsXxTH

— SSN Jay-O (@Jay_3shifty) March 1, 2024

Meanwhile, Clark officially declared for the WNBA Draft this week. “It is impossible to fully express my gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time at Iowa,” Clark wrote on social media. Clark will close out her career with a final regular-season game at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. However, her career will still include another Big Ten tournament and a NCAA Tournament. Iowa will likely enter the conference tournament as the second seed after Ohio State captured the regular season title earlier this week.

Furthermore, this now means that Clark will have around 10 games left in her career. This is providing a run to the National Championship. As a result, she can continue adding to her record-setting scoring legacy. Clark is 18 points shy of breaking Pete Maravich’s all-NCAA scoring record of 3,667. Looking past the season-ending game against Ohio State, Clark could break the all-level women’s college record. That was set in the pre-NCAA AIAW by Pearl Moore.

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Angel Reese Teases Decision On Future

February 28, 2024 by newhiphopnews

A cryptic tweet from Angel Reese has led fans to deduce that she is preparing to announce whether she will return to LSU next year or declare for the WNBA. “Should I stay, should I go? I don’t know,” Reese tweeted over a tribute video posted about her upcoming senior day on March 3. The quote stems from the 1998 track “I Don’t Know” from Keb’ Mo’. Reese has one more year of college eligibility and is one of the nation’s top NIL earners.

In ESPN‘s most recent WNBA mock draft, Michael Voepel projected Reese going sixth overall to the Washington Mystics. This was a slight rise from the eighth overall pick Voepel originally had Reese at. However, this was less due to Reese’s play and more because of external factors. Reese, who has been playing well, was always going to rise after Paige Bueckers announced that she would remain at UConn next season.

Angel Reese Joins Elite LSU Club With 2000th Point

Meanwhile, Angel Reese became the sixth LSU WBB player to score 2000 points as she surpassed the mark in a dominant win over Tennessee. Reese joined Joyce Walker, Seimone Augustus, Julie Gross, Cornelia Grayden, and Sylvia Fowles in the exclusive club. Reese began her career at Maryland, where she scored 719 points. However, she is now forever linked with the Tigers. Reese’s mark stands at 2006 after scoring 11 against the Volunteers.

Reese and LSU are second in the SEC. However, that is as close to a regular season title as they will get this season after South Carolina guaranteed themselves that honor with a win over Kentucky. Instead, Reese and company will look to finish out the season against Georgia and Kentucky before turning their attention to the SEC tournament and then, a March Madness tournament they will enter as defending champions. LSU is currently a four-seed in ESPN‘s latest bracketology.

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Skylar Diggins-Smith Net Worth 2024: What Is The WNBA Basketball Icon Worth?

February 21, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Skylar Diggins-Smith has sculpted an exceptional career over a decade. With an estimated net worth of $2 million in 2024, her financial status is a testament to her prowess on the basketball court and her ventures off it. This estimation comes from Eric Singer, a reputable source in the sports financial analytics field, highlighting her financial success amidst the challenges and triumphs of her career. Diggins-Smith’s journey from a college basketball sensation at Notre Dame to a professional powerhouse in the WNBA encapsulates her growth as an athlete and an influential figure in sports.

Before delving into the financial aspects of her career, it’s crucial to understand the foundation that Diggins-Smith built, leading to her current standing. At Notre Dame, she was not just a standout player. She was also a leader who propelled her team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances, including two National Championship games. This set the stage for her selection as the third overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock, which later became the Dallas Wings, marking the beginning of her professional career. Her impact was immediate, earning her multiple All-Star selections and solidifying her status as one of the league’s premier guards.

Early Career & Rise To Stardom

SAITAMA, JAPAN – AUGUST 08: Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins, and Diana Taurasi of Team United States pose for photographs with their gold medals during the Women’s Basketball medal ceremony on day sixteen of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games at Saitama Super Arena on August 08, 2021 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Skylar Diggins-Smith’s ascent in basketball began at Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana, where she was recognized as a McDonald’s All-American and the National Gatorade Player of the Year. Her collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame further established her as a formidable force, leading the Fighting Irish to two consecutive NCAA Championship games. Diggins-Smith’s ability to perform under pressure and her leadership qualities made her an invaluable asset to her teams. Her college years were not just about basketball; they were about building a legacy that would follow her into the professional leagues.

WNBA Success & Challenges

Upon entering the WNBA, Diggins-Smith’s impact was felt immediately. She faced the challenge of transitioning from college to professional play with grace and tenacity, quickly becoming a leading scorer for her team. Her dedication to improving her game was evident in her receipt of the Most Improved Player Award in 2014. However, Diggins-Smith’s career has not been without its hurdles. She has navigated injuries, team changes, and the challenge of balancing her professional and personal life, especially after becoming a mother. Despite these challenges, her resilience and commitment to excellence have never wavered, further cementing her status as a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.

Off-Court Ventures and Advocacy

Beyond the basketball court, Skylar Diggins-Smith has made significant strides in advocacy and entrepreneurship. Her commitment to social justice, mental health awareness, and gender equality in sports has made her a powerful voice off the court. Diggins-Smith has also ventured into business, aligning with brands that share her values and vision, thereby increasing her net worth beyond her basketball salary. Her engagement in various initiatives, including youth camps and literary projects, showcases her dedication to leveraging her platform for positive change, making her influence felt far beyond the realm of sports.

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Sabrina Ionescu Net Worth 2024: What Is The WNBA Basketball Icon Worth?

February 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Sabrina Ionescu, the trailblazing guard who has taken the women’s basketball world by storm, has made significant waves both on and off the court. By 2024, Ionescu has amassed a net worth estimated at $10 million, according to Sportskeeda, reflecting her success as a professional athlete in the WNBA and her ventures into endorsements, business, and advocacy. This remarkable achievement highlights Ionescu’s impact on the sports industry. There, she has become a symbol of excellence, resilience, and innovation.

Breaking Barriers: A Stellar Basketball Career

Sabrina Ionescu’s ascent in professional basketball is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have set her apart in the WNBA. Ionescu made history in college basketball with her unmatched ability to record triple-doubles. Transitioning to the WNBA, her impact was immediate. She brought a unique blend of leadership, skill, and competitive fire to the court. Further, Ionescu’s influence extends beyond her statistical contributions, embodying the growth and increasing visibility of women’s basketball.

Beyond The Court: Endorsements & Business Ventures

Ionescu’s marketability has soared, leading to lucrative endorsement deals and partnerships with major brands. Her role as a brand ambassador for several high-profile companies also contributes to her net worth. It further positions her as a leading figure in sports marketing. Moreover, Ionescu has shown a keen interest in business and entrepreneurship. This leverages her platform to explore opportunities that reflect her values and interests, further diversifying her income sources.

A vocal advocate for gender equality and social justice, Ionescu has utilized her platform to push for change within and outside the sports world. Her commitment to advocacy work includes efforts to promote equal pay and greater visibility for women’s sports. This proves her role as a transformative figure in athletics. Ionescu’s leadership in these areas enhances her personal brand and inspires fans and future generations to advocate for equity and inclusion.

The Future Is Bright: Prospects & Potential

Overall, Sabrina Ionescu’s career and financial prospects appear exceptionally bright. Her career trajectory suggests further growth in her athletic achievements and off-court endeavors. As the WNBA continues gaining popularity and recognition, Ionescu’s role as a leading game ambassador positions her for continued success in endorsements, business ventures, and beyond.

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