Why Caitlin Clark Was 'So Upset' in the Moments After Getting Picked 1st During WNBA Draft

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: Caitlin Clark and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert at the 2024 Draft on April 15.Photo:Sarah Stier/Getty

Sarah Stier/Getty

Caitlin Clarkrecalled the moment she felt “so upset” after beingselected first overallin the 2024 WNBA draft.

During an appearance on the Nov. 5th episode of theFresh Talkpodcast — which also served as a reunion for Clark, 22, and her former Iowa Hawkeyes teammates,Kate Martinand Gabbie Marshall — the Indiana Fever star revealed she was disappointed in the moments after commissionerCathy Engelbertannounced her selection.

The 2024 rookie of the year said she was “so upset” during the April 15 draft because moments after she was selected, “I just got drug out immediately and I didn’t get to see any of the draft.” Clark added that she had her phone with her throughout the evening, “but I couldn’t really go on it. It made me so upset. I didn’t even get to see Kate get drafted.”

From Left: Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark of Team WNBA on July 20, 2024.Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty

Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty

It would be a major increase in Clark’s WNBA salary,which was expected to be $76,535in her first season based on the league’s typical contracts for new players.

After expanding its roster from 30 players to 36, the league is willing to let Clark “take as long as she wants” to accept the offer, perSports Business Journal.

Clark is currently in her first WNBA offseason after a stellar rookie season that ended with her being named both the league’s and the Associated Press’s 2024 rookie of the year. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists (a WNBA high, per the league), 5.7 rebounds and 1.33 steals this season.

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source: people.com