logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
14m 13s

The NBA, the WNBA and the Pro Sports Pay...

The Wall Street Journal
About this episode

When Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark lit up this year’s March Madness basketball tournament and propelled the women’s final to top the men’s in TV viewership, the gap between men’s and women’s sports looked like it might be starting to close. But that’s not the case when it comes to starting salaries. WSJ senior sports reporter Rachel Bachman answers listeners' questions about the economics behind this difference, the future of pay in the WNBA and how we might reframe the conversation about pay equity in professional sports. Annmarie Fertoli hosts.


Further Reading

Wait, Caitlin Clark Is Only Getting Paid $76,000? 

How Nike Won the Battle for Caitlin Clark

NCAA Women Beat Men in Finals’ Ratings for First Time—but Got 99% Less TV Money 

Why NCAA Women Got More Viewers Than the Men But Less TV Money 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
What Linda Yaccarino’s Departure Means for X
P.M. Edition for July 9. After about two years at the helm of Elon Musk’s social-media platform, Linda Yaccarino has stepped down as the CEO of X. WSJ advertising editor Suzanne Vranica discusses what that means for X, which recently merged with Musk’s artificial intelligence com ... Show More
13m 6s
Yesterday
Trump Calls Out Putin Over Ukraine
A.M. Edition for July 9. As Russia intensifies its assault on Ukraine, President Trump is losing his patience with Vladimir Putin. Journal correspondent Matthew Luxmoore says the president is now considering sending an additional patriot missile system to Kyiv. Plus, the Trump ad ... Show More
15m 11s
Jul 8
Copper Prices Hit Record High as Trump Unveils 50% Tariffs
P.M. Edition for July 8. During a cabinet meeting today, President Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper and threatened the European Union with steep tariffs if it doesn't reach a trade deal with the U.S. WSJ reporter Kim Mackrael says the EU’s member states are split as to how ... Show More
13m 23s
Recommended Episodes
May 2024
Will Black WNBA Superstars Get What They're Due?
Last month, news broke about Caitlin Clark’s $28 million shoe deal with Nike. It’s undoubtedly a great business decision for both Nike and Clark as she transitions into becoming the most hyped WNBA rookie of all time, but the announcement begets a conversation about equity in the ... Show More
37m 40s
Mar 2024
Can Caitlin Clark fix college sports?
The biggest star of this year’s March Madness basketball tournament isn’t one of the male players, explains SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell. The Wall Street Journal’s Laine Higgins says that’s great, but women are still somehow fighting for equality in college sports.This episode was ... Show More
25m 47s
Jun 2024
Sue Bird: “You Have to Pay the Superstars.” (Replay)
She is one of the best basketball players ever. She’s won multiple championships, including five Olympic gold medals and four W.N.B.A. titles. She also helped negotiate a landmark contract for the league’s players. Sue Bird tells Steve Levitt the untold truth about clutch players ... Show More
42m 30s
Sep 2020
Breanna Stewart
All-world basketball star Breanna Stewart joins Kelley to discuss her ongoing pursuit of basketball perfection. Stewie discusses her recent recovery from a torn Achilles, why she’s still salty about the games she lost in college despite going 151-5 and winning four national champ ... Show More
47m 32s
Mar 2021
NCAA Tourney Men vs Women, Deshaun Watson, NFL TV Deal, Cancel or Consequence, Best of Social Media
* Oregon women’s Basketball player highlights the differences in the Men’s NCAA Tournament weight room and swag vs the Women’s Tournament* Deshaun Watson now has 7 lawsuits against him alleging sexual misconduct. Something is wrong here.* NFL TV deals are worth over $110B. Get Wo ... Show More
1h 8m
May 2024
$2.8 Billion for College Athletes and a New World for the NCAA
For over a century, the NCAA has refused to pay athletes. After a recent settlement, that’s going to change. The organization has agreed to set aside $2.8 billion in back payments for some student athletes and moving forward, allow players to get a cut of television revenue. WSJ’ ... Show More
18m 57s
Jun 2024
Chris Cuomo Unpacks Caitlin Clark’s Treatment in the WNBA
Chris Cuomo dives into the recent treatment of WNBA star Caitlin Clark, sparked by Pat McAfee’s controversial recent comments. He examines the complexities of how race, sexuality, and jealousy influence athletes’ experiences in the media and among peers. Chris calls for a more op ... Show More
31m 24s
Mar 2023
“Honestly, I Thought it was Money.” Caitlin Clark has the Most Swag in College Hoops
March Madness is set to tip off just over a week from now, and among all the players who will be competing — both men and women — there is no one who loves the spotlight more than Caitlin Clark. The junior guard, sometimes referred to as the female Steph Curry, will be leading Io ... Show More
32m 49s