In an effort to address the growing outrage over Caitlin Clark's low base salary as the No. 1 draft choice in the WNBA, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has clarified that the former Iowa star has the potential to earn up to $500,000 during her rookie season.

Clark, who recently signed a four-year, $338,056 deal with the Indiana Fever, will receive a base salary of just $76,535, a figure that sparked controversy when comparisons were made to the salaries of top NBA draft picks. For instance, last year's NBA No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, signed a lucrative four-year, $55.2 million rookie contract, earning roughly $12 million in base salary as a rookie.

Engelbert sought to quell the dissatisfaction surrounding Clark's base salary by pointing out that the reported amount was only a fraction of what the young player could potentially earn. She compared it to how the salaries of CEOs are often reported, highlighting that additional elements such as bonuses, stock options, and other incentives contribute to their overall compensation.

During a CNBC Changemakers event, Engelbert explained, "Caitlin has the ability to make up to a half of a million dollars just in WNBA wages this year, so they're just looking at a base, which is collectively bargained and actually low, because she's the No. 1 pick."

It is important to note that Clark's base salary is limited by the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement, which is set to run through 2027, but could potentially end sooner if she and other rising stars help boost WNBA TV ratings.

Additionally, Clark is expected to significantly supplement her earnings through endorsement deals with major corporate entities such as Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, Goldman Sachs, and others. These endorsement opportunities are likely to contribute significantly to her overall income and future financial success.

The revelation of Clark's potential earnings is expected to provide some reassurance to those who were concerned about the stark disparity between WNBA and NBA salaries. While the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement may currently limit base salaries, the opportunity for players like Clark to earn substantial amounts through a combination of team wages and endorsement deals demonstrates a path toward financial parity in the future.

As Caitlin Clark embarks on her professional basketball journey with the Indiana Fever, the focus now shifts to her performance on and off the court as she seeks to maximize her earning potential and pave the way for a more equitable landscape in women's sports.