The NBA Playoffs Promise Tons of Excitement

 The NBA Playoffs Promise Tons of Excitement



If Caitlin Clark's rising fame and her thrilling showdowns with players like Angel Reece and Kamilla Cardoso are marking a "Bird vs. Magic" era in women's basketball, the question remains: Is the WNBA poised to take full advantage of this momentum?


This query will start to be addressed on Monday night at the WNBA Draft in Brooklyn. While it's clear that Clark will be picked early, the excitement is just getting started. Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 WNBA Draft.


Where will the 2024 WNBA Draft be held?

The eagerly awaited WNBA Draft is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 15, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York. For the first time, the draft will welcome live audience attendance.


How can I watch the WNBA Draft 2024?


ESPN will air the 2024 WNBA Draft, kicking off with a half-hour preview show at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can also stream the event on ESPN+.


Which team holds the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft?

For the second consecutive year, the Indiana Fever have secured the top pick in the draft, thanks to their win in the WNBA Draft Lottery. Last year, they chose Aliyah Boston from South Carolina, who earned the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year title.


Which team will Caitlin Clark play for?

Caitlin Clark is expected to be the clear No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever.


Choosing Clark is a straightforward decision for the Fever for a couple of reasons: 1) Combining Clark's perimeter skills with last year's top pick Aliyah Boston's interior presence could turn the Fever into championship contenders within a few years; 2) From a business standpoint, Clark's impact on ticket and sponsorship sales, along with merchandise like jerseys, makes her a lucrative choice. Consequently, most of Indiana's games next season are scheduled for national television.


2024 WNBA Mock Draft: Caitlin Clark to Indiana Fever, Angel Reese to Chicago Sky


What will Caitlin Clark's salary be in the WNBA?

As the first overall pick, Clark will earn a base salary of $76,535. While this figure might seem modest, she stands to earn significantly more from sponsorships and endorsements. Estimates from her final year at Iowa suggest she could have made over $3 million from name and image licensing deals, with similar earnings potential in the WNBA. Moreover, her presence will likely generate millions in jersey sales for the Indiana Fever and the league.


If the salary appears surprisingly low, that's because it is. The highest salary in the WNBA this season will be $241,984, earned by players like Arike Ogunbowale, Kahleah Copper, and Jewell Loyd, while the average salary is about $150,000. Consequently, many WNBA players supplement their income by playing overseas in the offseason or pursuing secondary careers in media or other basketball-related fields.



What is the order for the WNBA Draft?

The WNBA Draft consists of three rounds. Here's the order for the first round — note that the Los Angeles Sparks have the second and fourth picks.

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**WNBA Draft 2024: Details on Date, Time, Schedule, Key Players, Draft Order, and Venue**  

By Kurt Helin  

Published April 15, 2024, 09:30 AM  


As Caitlin Clark’s popularity soars—highlighted by her memorable battles with stars like Angel Reece and Kamilla Cardoso—is women’s basketball witnessing its own "Bird vs. Magic" moment? And more importantly, can the WNBA leverage this surge in interest?


This pressing question will begin to be answered Monday night at the WNBA Draft in Brooklyn. While Caitlin Clark's selection is almost certain, the real intrigue is just starting. Here’s your guide to the 2024 WNBA Draft.


**Where is the WNBA Draft 2024?**  

The eagerly awaited WNBA Draft will commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, April 15. It is set to be held at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, marking the first time the draft will host a live audience.


**How can I watch the WNBA Draft 2024?**  

ESPN will televise the 2024 WNBA Draft, starting with a preview show at 7 p.m. ET. Additionally, the draft can be streamed on ESPN+.


**Which team has the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft?**  

The Indiana Fever will make the first overall pick for the second consecutive year following their win in the WNBA Draft Lottery. Last year, they selected Aliyah Boston from South Carolina, who went on to win the 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year.


**Which team will Caitlin Clark join?**  

Caitlin Clark is expected to be the first overall pick by the Indiana Fever. This choice is straightforward for Indiana because:  

1) Pairing Clark’s perimeter play with last year’s No. 1 pick Aliyah Boston’s inside game positions the Fever as future title contenders;  

2) Clark's impact on ticket, sponsorship, and merchandise sales, including jersey sales, practically guarantees her selection. Accordingly, most of the Fever's games next season are already scheduled for national television broadcast.


**2024 WNBA Mock Draft: Caitlin Clark to Indiana Fever, Angel Reese to Chicago Sky**


**How much will Caitlin Clark earn in the WNBA?**  

As the No. 1 pick, Clark will earn a base salary of $76,535. However, she is expected to make substantially more from sponsorships and endorsements, with projections from her final year at Iowa suggesting earnings over $3 million from name and licensing deals. The revenue she generates from jersey sales alone could reach millions for the Indiana Fever and the WNBA.


Despite these impressive numbers, the base salary in the WNBA remains modest compared to potential endorsements; the highest WNBA salary this season will be $241,984.


**What is the WNBA Draft order?**  

The WNBA Draft consists of three rounds. The first round order is as follows:  

1. Indiana Fever  

2. Los Angeles Sparks  

3. Chicago Sky (from Phoenix)  

4. Los Angeles Sparks (from Seattle)  

5. Dallas Wings (from Chicago)  

6. Washington Mystics  

7. Chicago Sky (from Minnesota via Los Angeles)  

8. Minnesota Lynx  

9. Dallas Wings  

10. Connecticut Sun  

11. New York Liberty  

12. Atlanta Dream (from Las Vegas, via Los Angeles)


**Who are the key players to watch?**  

Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Angel Reese are among the top talents, each bringing unique skills and potentials to the WNBA. Their success will depend on their ability to transition their collegiate excellence to the professional level.


**WNBA Draft Reality**  

While the draft will spotlight top prospects, it's important to note that many players selected may not secure a spot in the league. Last season, only eight of the 36 drafted players were on opening day rosters. The WNBA's competitive nature and limited roster spots make it the toughest league to break into, often pushing players to develop their skills overseas.

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