Iowa surprised many as it seemingly determined to unexpectedly prevent the number 1 star, Caitlin Clark, from transitioning to the professional scene.
Kelsey Plum believes Iowa should spend a significant portion of the NIL money on Clark
With just four games left in the regular season, the Big Ten tournament, and the upcoming March Madness, Caitlin Clark, the standout guard for the Iowa Hawkeyes, is on the cusp of making history.
She is poised to surpass Pete Maravich as the all-time leading scorer in college basketball, regardless of gender. Furthermore, if she decides to return for another season, she could solidify her place in the record books.
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Clark, who has one year of collegiate eligibility remaining, is currently weighing her options. She must decide whether to enter the WNBA Draft pool or return to Iowa for the 2024/25 season.
The decision is not solely about money, as Clark’s earnings from Name, Image, and Likeness deals likely exceed what she would make in the WNBA. However, financial stability allows her to focus on her basketball career without worrying about finances.
Kelsey Plum believes Clark should remain in college
Kelsey Plum, a two-time WNBA champion, spoke highly of Clark at the NBA All-Star weekend in Indianapolis. Plum praised Clark’s incredible talent and encouraged boosters and businesses in Iowa to support her. Plum believes that Clark’s presence in college basketball would bring more publicity to the program and the university.
“Everyone’s trying to figure out if she’s coming out or staying put, but if I’m Iowa, I’m gonna throw the kitchen sink at her, for sure,” Plum declared in an interview during All-Star weekend in Indianapolis.Clark already has lucrative deals with major brands like Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, H&R Block, and Buick. If the SWARM Collective or other NIL donors associated with the Hawkeyes can offer a competitive financial package, they may be able to persuade Clark to stay.
This could be an attractive option for Clark, as she would be making comparable money to the WNBA, which will always be there as an option in a year anyway.
Ultimately, Caitlin Clark’s decision will be influenced by various factors, including her love for the game, her loyalty to Iowa, and her own personal financial considerations. Kelsey Plum recognizes the importance of financial support in this decision and wants to ensure that Clark is well-compensated for her talents.