Although Caitlin Clark’s career is just beginning, comparisons to Michael Jordan have been inevitable. Like the NBA icon, the Indiana Fever guard entered the WNBA breaking records and boosting ratings. But according to Jordan’s former agent, David Falk, that’s not enough.
Now in her second professional season-and fresh off winning the 2024 Rookie of the Year award-Clark faces growing expectations. Falk, in particular, believes she has the potential to be a game-changer in contract negotiations between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), which have reached a critical juncture.
Although the current collective bargaining agreement was set to last until 2027, the WNBPA opted out early to begin negotiating better terms for its players. With the arrival of superstars like Clark, Cameron Brink, and Angel Reese, both viewership and revenue have surged, and the union is pushing for improved conditions.
Falk insists Clark could play a pivotal role in these discussions-just as Jordan once could have.
Clark as a union leader?
In an interview with Sportico, Falk emphasized the importance of the league’s top players taking an active role in contract negotiations. “It’s important for the top players to be involved, because that’s who the team owners respect,” he said.
Jordan’s involvement in the NBA’s 1998 labor negotiations proved pivotal. Although the Bulls legend had initially stayed out of talks, his decision to step in ultimately resolved the impasse.
Falk never asked Jordan to intervene, but the GOAT’s involvement helped save a season that was already six months behind schedule. Now, the former agent believes Clark could do the same-potentially preventing a lockout if the union and league fail to reach an agreement by year’s end.
What is the WNBA fighting for?
One of the WNBPA’s biggest demands in negotiations is a substantial increase in player salaries-including a proposed “supermax” contract worth around $1 million annually. The union is also advocating for enhanced benefits, such as access to family planning services and improved retirement packages.
The Fever star has yet to take a strong stance on union matters, but if Falk’s prediction proves correct, her involvement could be a defining moment in her legacy-one that extends far beyond the court.
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