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NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Fed Up With Pay Gap Between Caitlin Clark-Angel Reese And NBA Stars

Anthony Pasciolla

Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5)and Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) react after a play during the first half against the USA Women's National Team at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team WNBA forward Angel Reese (5)and Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark (22) react after a play during the first half against the USA Women's National Team at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The WNBA continues setting all-time highs in almost every category, but the pay of stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese doesn't reflect it.

Clark and Reese are two of the league's most popular players despite being rookies. Clark is on a four-year, $338,000 contract while Reese is set to make $324,000 over her first four seasons. These are much lower deals than those of their NBA counterparts, prompting legend Shaquille O'Neal to speak out on the pay gap.

“I’m glad they’re getting their exposure, they definitely deserve it," O'Neal said. "Now we just gotta get ‘em similar contracts than what some of these NBA guys are making.”

Fans were split over O'Neals remark, with some supporting the idea of equal pay while others raised the point of talent difference. Regardless of your personal opinion, the determining factor is how much money each league brings in. If the NBA and WNBA eventually level out in endorsements, funding, and viewership, the pay should also even.

The most prominent example of the pay gap difference is Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry signing a one-year, $62.6 million extension in late August. The WNBA's top contract is Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young, who earns $252,450 annually.

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Anthony Pasciolla is a contributing writer for Back In The Day Hoops. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or followed on X @AnthonyPasci. 

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com