Caitlin Clark is placing up MVP numbers this season, however her potential MVP win may create a salary-cap drawback for the Indiana Fever.
WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita just lately mentioned the scenario on Courtside Membership, mentioning that Clark may change into eligible for a supermax contract if she wins MVP below the brand new CBA.
Sports activities anchor Cindy Brunson additionally highlighted the potential monetary affect of Clark successful MVP, suggesting that the Fever may face a tough activity maintaining their Massive 3 of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston collectively. The WNBA world has loads of ideas on the scenario.
Cindy Brunson’s Caitlin Clark MVP Warning Sparks WNBA Reactions
Brunson defined on X that if Clark wins MVP, she may choose out of the ultimate 12 months of her rookie deal and pursue a brand new three-year supermax contract as a substitute.
“IF Caitlin Clark does win MVP, because of the brand new CBA it would set off an choice to renegotiate out of the ultimate 12 months of her rookie deal and she or he’ll be capable of command a brand new 3 12 months tremendous max contract. The Fever might should move the gathering plate to maintain their Massive 3,” .
Brunson’s argument prompted each Clark supporters and critics to share their takes on the problem.
“Wow you’re really reporting an actual information worthy topic about Cailtin Clark with out belittling her and permitting your particular person bias to overshadow the story. Its fairly refreshing,” d.
“Has nothing to do with a set plate. There’s a factor referred to as a wage cap. However it does clarify why they’re pushing KM extra,” d.
Clark is at present averaging 22.5 factors, 8.4 assists, and three.9 rebounds in 36 video games this season, placing her among the many high MVP candidates.
Nonetheless, A’ja Wilson has stronger numbers to this point, averaging 26.0 factors, 9.4 rebounds, and three.2 assists in 37 video games.
Placing the distinction in numbers into perspective, , “So long as Caitlin doesn’t common 30/10/8 she gained’t win MVP.”
Others have been much more dismissive of Clark’s possibilities of successful the 2026 WNBA MVP award.
“She not successful that. She has loads of time to win these awards. She nonetheless early in her profession,” a e.
“She’s not successful the MVP. Wilson has it locked up. Cease it already,” .
The wage issues are tied to the Fever’s rising checklist of main contracts.
Boston signed a four-year, $6.3 million contract extension that can hold her with Indiana by 2029. In addition to, below the brand new CBA, she is ready to earn 20% of the Fever’s complete wage cap every season from 2027 to 2029.
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Mitchell, in the meantime, signed a $1.4 million supermax contract with the Fever this 12 months.
Clark’s base wage is ready to leap to $528,846 for the 2026 season. The Fever additionally at present has roughly -$58,773 in cap house for the 2026 WNBA season, that means they’re barely over the $7 million wage cap.
An MVP win will make Clark eligible for a supermax contract, which could put the Fever below vital monetary pressure. Nonetheless, some followers imagine Clark may prioritize successful over taking the most important attainable contract.
“I can virtually assure that Caitlin takes a pay minimize. She looks like that kinda particular person,” d.
, “Not that I believe CC needs to be underpaid. I wouldn’t know as a result of I’m not her. I believe she is going to take a much less due to her exterior cash to maintain the core collectively. Particularly in the event that they win.”
“CC gained’t take a max. She needs to win,” d.
For now, Clark’s MVP chase stays centered on what occurs on the court docket. Nonetheless, she has to amp up her recreation to beat the likes of Wilson and even her personal teammate, Mitchell, to win the MVP award.
Proper now, the three-time All-Star is headed to Berlin for the FIBA World Cup. Clark and the Fever will return to WNBA motion after a three-week break on Sept. 18 towards the Toronto Tempo.
This text initially appeared on okay.