RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) warms up prior to a game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. © Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Caitlin Clark is putting up MVP numbers this season, but her potential MVP win could create a salary-cap problem for the Indiana Fever.
WNBA analyst Rachel DeMita recently discussed the situation on Courtside Club, pointing out that Clark could become eligible for a supermax contract if she wins MVP under the new CBA.
Sports anchor Cindy Brunson also highlighted the potential financial impact of Clark winning MVP, suggesting that the Fever could face a difficult task keeping their Big 3 of Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston together. The WNBA world has plenty of thoughts on the situation.
Cindy Brunson’s Caitlin Clark MVP Warning Sparks WNBA Reactions
Brunson explained on X that if Clark wins MVP, she could opt out of the final year of her rookie deal and pursue a new three-year supermax contract instead.
“IF Caitlin Clark does win MVP, thanks to the new CBA it will trigger an option to renegotiate out of the final year of her rookie deal and she’ll be able to command a new 3 year super max contract. The Fever may have to pass the collection plate to keep their Big 3,” Brunson wrote.
Brunson’s argument prompted both Clark supporters and critics to share their takes on the issue.
“Wow you are actually reporting a real news worthy subject about Cailtin Clark without belittling her and allowing your person bias to overshadow the story. Its quite refreshing,” one WNBA observer taunted .
“Has nothing to do with a collection plate. There’s a thing called a salary cap. But it does explain why they are pushing KM more,” another fan argued .
Clark is currently averaging 22.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 36 games this season, putting her among the top MVP candidates.
However, A’ja Wilson has stronger numbers so far, averaging 26.0 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in 37 games.
Putting the difference in numbers into perspective, one X user reasoned, “As long as Caitlin doesn’t average 30/10/8 she won’t win MVP.”
Others were even more dismissive of Clark’s chances of winning the 2026 WNBA MVP award.
“She not winning that. She has plenty of time to win those awards. She still early in her career,” a Clark critic wrote .
“She’s not winning the MVP. Wilson has it locked up. Stop it already,” another Clark detractor added.
The salary concerns are tied to the Fever’s growing list of major contracts.
Boston signed a four-year, $6.3 million contract extension that will keep her with Indiana through 2029. Besides, under the new CBA, she is set to earn 20% of the Fever’s total salary cap each season from 2027 to 2029.
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Mitchell, meanwhile, signed a $1.4 million supermax contract with the Fever this year.
Clark’s base salary is set to jump to $528,846 for the 2026 season. The Fever also currently has approximately -$58,773 in cap space for the 2026 WNBA season, meaning they are slightly over the $7 million salary cap.
An MVP win will make Clark eligible for a supermax contract, which might put the Fever under significant financial strain. However, some fans believe Clark could prioritize winning over taking the biggest possible contract.
“I can almost guarantee that Caitlin takes a pay cut. She seems like that kinda person,” one Clark supporter predicted .
Another Clark fan wrote, “Not that I think CC wants to be underpaid. I wouldn’t know because I am not her. I think she will take a less because of her outside money to keep the core together. Especially if they win.”
“CC won’t take a max. She wants to win,” another Clark fan declared .
For now, Clark’s MVP chase remains focused on what happens on the court. However, she has to amp up her game to beat the likes of Wilson or even her own teammate, Mitchell, to win the MVP award.
Right now, the three-time All-Star is headed to Berlin for the FIBA World Cup. Clark and the Fever will return to WNBA action after a three-week break on Sept. 18 against the Toronto Tempo.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network .
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