Dan Patrick, a well-known sportscaster, recently commented on the WNBA’s situation regarding Caitlin Clark, suggesting that the league is taking a hostile stance during ongoing collective bargaining discussions. He recounted a private conversation where Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier mentioned that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Clark should be thankful to have been given a platform from which she could earn $16 million off the court.
Patrick went on to assert that, in the grand scheme, the WNBA is more reliant on Clark than she is on them. He highlighted the disparity in earnings, pointing out that while Clark may make $78,000 within the league, her off-court earnings seem to overshadow this figure. “Are they going to make $300,000? They might someday,” Patrick stated, but emphasized that Clark shouldn’t feel beholden to a league that doesn’t pay her in line with her market value.
“It feels like the WNBA turned against her. They seem to think she should be grateful for her position, like everyone owes her something,” he added. Patrick was particularly surprised Engelbert mentioned Clark in her conversation with Collier, especially since they share the same agent.
During a recent press conference, Engelbert denied making remarks about Clark, proclaiming that she has significantly positively impacted the league and attracted millions of new fans. Patrick acknowledged Engelbert’s intelligence and the positive developments she’s brought, such as upcoming expansion teams and a new TV deal.
However, as negotiations heat up, pressure is mounting on Engelbert. The players’ association had previously agreed to an eight-year contract in 2020, but the WNBPA opted to leave the contract early last year. Current negotiations are complicated, with the existing deal set to expire on October 31st.
Patrick’s lengthy career includes time at ESPN and NBC Sports, and he currently hosts “The Dan Patrick Show.” His full interview discussing these topics will be available on Outkick soon.
