Luka Doncic, the superstar of the Los Angeles Lakers, has recently signed a staggering 3-year contract worth $165 million, earning approximately $55 million per year. This massive figure, while standard for NBA elite players, has reignited the conversation about the enormous wage gap between the NBA and its female counterpart, the WNBA. In sharp contrast, Caitlin Clark, one of the WNBA’s brightest rising stars, is making just $76,535 per year. Angel Reese, another standout player in the same league, earns even less. The comparison has sent shockwaves across social media and sports platforms, with many questioning how such a vast disparity can still exist in 2025.

To put it in perspective, Luka Doncic earns in a single day what Clark and Reese earn over the course of an entire year. This shocking statistic highlights more than just a difference in pay—it reflects the underlying systemic undervaluation of female athletes, despite their comparable dedication, effort, and cultural impact. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have not only dominated college basketball but have also been credited with boosting viewership, ticket sales, and general public interest in the women’s game. Still, their salaries remain drastically low when compared to their male counterparts.

Though Clark does supplement her income with paid speaking engagements and endorsements, the additional earnings still pale in comparison to the immense figures that male NBA stars command. While it is true that the NBA generates far more revenue than the WNBA due to greater TV rights, sponsorships, and global market reach, critics argue that the issue isn’t solely about profitability. Many believe it’s also about priorities and investment. Without proper marketing, media coverage, and league-level support, the WNBA will continue to face structural challenges in closing the financial gap.

Athletes, celebrities, and fans have voiced their concerns, with some demanding reform in how women’s sports are funded and promoted. The outrage is not just about money; it’s about recognition, fairness, and equality. How is it acceptable that a player like Caitlin Clark, who has inspired millions and elevated the visibility of women’s basketball, earns less than 1% of what an NBA star brings home?

This moment has become a turning point in the ongoing battle for equal pay in sports. With WNBA games gaining more attention and new records being broken in both attendance and viewership, it is clear that the appetite for women’s basketball is growing. The next step is for league executives, sponsors, and broadcasters to catch up and treat women’s sports with the seriousness and respect they deserve. Until then, the image of Luka Doncic earning more in a day than Clark or Reese do in a year will remain a sobering reminder of just how far there is still to go.