Caitlin Clark NIL Money: How Much Is She Worth and Where Does She Rank?

Caitlin Clark NIL Money: How Much Is She Worth and Where Does She Rank?

Written by Mark Williams, In Celeb, sports, Published On
February 27, 2026
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People all over the world know Caitlin Clark as a business powerhouse, not just as a college basketball star.   Clark’s long three-pointers, record-setting performances, and packed gyms have made women’s basketball a must-see on TV.   But she makes a difference outside of court.   Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules put in place by the NCAA have helped Clark make millions of dollars through advertising deals.

Fans and business people are curious about how much NIL money Caitlin Clark is worth and how she compares to other great college players as she gets ready for the next journey in the WNBA. Check out her NIL worth, the companies that back her, and how her money is helping to bring about a new era in women’s sports.

Introducing Caitlin Clark NIL

Caitlin Clark NIL Money: How Much Is She Worth and Where Does She Rank?

The college basketball player Caitlin Clark is one of the best and is becoming a big name in sports. She was born in Des Moines, Iowa. Across the country, she is famous for her long shooting range, fearless style of play, and ability to change the result of every game she plays. Clark has not only broken records as the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, but she has also brought women’s basketball to a level of popularity that has never been seen before, with arenas packed with millions of fans. Because of her skills, confidence, and charm, she is more than just a good athlete. She is an integral part of culture and is changing the game for the better.

What NIL Does to College Sports Teams

College athletes are not able to make money off of their name, picture, or likeness before 2021 (NIL). Clark and other stars would have had to wait until they were professionals before they could get brand deals. The NCAA changed this by adding new NIL rules that let players make money while they are still in school. One person who will gain the most from this change is Clark. She turned her fame into a great business opportunity, which shows that college sports can make stars who are worth a lot of money.

How much is Caitlin Clark’s NIL worth?

On3’s NIL rankings say that Caitlin Clark is worth $3.1 million. This makes her one of the highest-paid college players in the country. After she made a big deal with Panini, a company that produces trading cards and other souvenirs, her NIL worth went through the roof. Before that deal, Clark’s NIL value was thought to be around $910,000. In just a few weeks after Panini joined the team, she went from not being in the top 20 to fourth place.

Where Does Caitlin Clark Rank Among Top College Athletes?

At the moment, Caitlin Clark is the fourth most crucial player in the NIL. The following list is based on On3’s NIL scores from early 2025:

  1. Bronny James (USC Basketball) – $5 million
  2. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado Football) – $4.7 million
  3. Olivia “Livvy” Dunne (LSU Gymnastics) – $3.5 million
  4. Caitlin Clark (Iowa Basketball) – $3.1 million
  5. Arch Manning (Texas Football) – $2.8 million
  6. Travis Hunter (Colorado Football) – $2.3 million
  7. Quinn Ewers (Texas Football) – $1.9 million
  8. Angel Reese (LSU Basketball) – $1.7 million
  9. Carson Beck (Georgia Football) – $1.5 million
  10. Jalen Milroe (Alabama Football) – $1.5 million

Based on this list, Clark is the second most important female athlete, just behind Olivia Dunne, a famous gymnast at LSU. It also proves that she is the best-paid woman in NIL who plays hoops.

NIL Value vs. WNBA Salary

The difference between Caitlin Clark’s NIL money and the money she will make in the WNBA is one of the most interesting parts of her story.

The Indiana Fever will pay Clark about $328,000 over four years as a rookie if they pick her first in the 2024 WNBA Draft. That’s a good wage, but not nearly as much as what she makes from NIL.

The most important thing is that Clark’s sponsors will still be there after she turns pro. Most of her NIL deals will turn into regular advertising deals, so she will keep making millions of dollars a year on top of what she makes in the WNBA.

Clark will make a lot more money from endorsements than from her pay as a player. A lot of people, like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, make more money from their names than from their sports.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark isn’t just a basketball player. There is a promise in the NIL age, and she is a sign of it. With a value of $3.1 million, she is one of the most expensive college athletes in the country right now. She is on the same level as Shedeur Sanders and Bronny James.

Even though Clark is now in the WNBA, her story will still inspire players, fans, and business leaders. Her success shows that sports for women can bring in a lot of attention, make money, and last for a long time. Being in NIL has given Caitlin Clark a chance to make a bigger difference, so she is taking it.

FAQs About Caitlin Clark NIL Money

  1. How much is Caitlin Clark’s NIL worth right now?

With an estimated NIL value of $3.1 million, Caitlin Clark is the fourth most expensive college athlete in the US.

  1. Who gives Caitlin Clark her money?

Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, Buick, Panini, and H&R Block are just some of the companies she works for.

  1. How much more does Caitlin Clark make from her NIL than from her WNBA salary?

The first deal she makes with the WNBA is for about $328,000 over four years. However, she is expected to make millions of dollars a year from advertising.

  1. Does Caitlin Clark make more money from NIL than any other female athlete?

Indeed, she is the second-best female athlete in terms of NIL value, following LSU dancer Olivia Dunne.

  1. Will Caitlin Clark still be able to get ads after college?

Yes, she will keep getting money because most of her NIL deals will turn into regular sponsorship deals once she joins the WNBA.

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