Caitlin Clark isn’t quite sure what the financial future of her WNBA career holds, but one thing is clear as she heads into the offseason: she wants to remain in Indiana.
“No matter what, I’m going to be here,” she said during her exit interviews on Thursday morning. “I just want to do what’s best for the team and make sure we have the opportunity to win championships. That’s my main goal.”
After finishing her third year in the league with a playoff exit against the Aces, Clark now has an interesting opportunity due to a new clause in the league’s recent collective bargaining agreement.
The three-time All-Star qualifies for an Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract extension—often referred to as EPIC—which allows players to renegotiate their contracts. This extension enables her to secure a three-year deal that could lead to maximum and supermax salaries. If they’re named to the All-WNBA first or second teams or win a significant personal award, players can earn the max salary in their fourth year.
Clark could potentially earn a maximum of $1.3 million in 2027, having been named to the All-WNBA first team during her rookie year. Furthermore, she could make a supermax of $1.7 million in 2028, the first year of her new contract.
“I’m not saying I’m going to sign it or not sign it,” she noted. “I think it’s about figuring out how we need to construct our roster.”
Her teammate Aliyah Boston serves as a notable example; after being selected to the All-WNBA second team in 2025, she signed a four-year $6.3 million extension, the largest in league history.
Clark, alongside 2026 Defensive Player of the Year Angel Reese, is also eligible for this opportunity heading into 2027.
Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers will be in line to negotiate the EPIC extension in 2028 after her recent All-WNBA second team selection as a rookie.
Clark confessed she hasn’t thought much about the extension or discussed it with the front office yet. Instead, she’s been enjoying some time on the golf course.
However, she emphasized her desire to help the Fever build a competitive roster for next season after missing out on WNBA Finals appearances for three consecutive years. “It’s a really cool opportunity,” she stated. “It’s good that the CBA rewards young players on rookie deals. It shows respect to talented players in our league. For me, it’s more about how we can best build a roster that helps us win championships.”
“My focus is on winning,” Clark reiterated. “I certainly know what I deserve and what I’m worth, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices. I’m not saying I will or won’t sign it.”
As the Fever enters the offseason, Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Myisha Hines-Allen, and Tyasha Harris will all become unrestricted free agents. Mitchell had a standout season, playing on a one-year supermax deal, but the Fever can’t offer her the core designation again.
The four-time All-Star is expected to have multiple options and plans to take a more “selfish” approach in her decision-making. “I think that’s just where I am in my career… considering what I need and what’s best for me. So, I have to be somewhat selfish in that room,” Mitchell shared during her exit interview.
