WNBA Draws More Caitlin Clark Backlash After 3-Point Contest Prize Money Is Revealed

WNBA fans were outraged when it was revealed that Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark was not going to participate in the upcoming All-Star 3-Point Contest. Their anger was somewhat appeased once they realized that it was actually the 22-year-old who turned down the invitation to take part in the event.

The supporters are back at it again now, though, after the prize money for the 3-point shootout was revealed. According to a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) excerpt shared by WNBA reporter Matt Ellentuck on X, formerly Twitter, the participants of the contest are set to pocket just $1,030 each, with the winner earning $2,575.

Unsurprisingly, this revelation did not sit well with the fans. More than a few of them believe that this is probably why Clark turned down the opportunity to compete in the first place.

"The real reason Caitlin and Sabrina declined the 3 point contest is that the WNBA couldn't afford to pay them when they win," read a comment.

"There is a LOT more that is seriously wrong & unprofessional in the @WNBA than a 3 Point Contest Payout. Caitlin Clark made the right choice & it was NOR because of the $2,575. Journalist(s) need to expose the "W" in order for it to truly grow & improve..." said a fan.

"cc had the option to win $2,000 (when she already makes millions) or rest gosh can’t imagine how hard that decision must have been for her when is all the millions of $$ in revenue generated by cc for wnba translate into compensation for the female players," pointed out a supporter.

"It's no wonder Caitlin Clark declined the invitation," surmised another.

In an unprecedented turn of events, it was later announced by WNBA Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm that Alfac, an American insurance company, had generously decided to sponsor the event by awarding the winner an additional $55,000.

"As President of @TheWNBPA , I am thrilled to announce that @Aflac , known for its supplemental insurance, is stepping up in an incredible way to support our Players. Aflac is supplementing the league's pay with a $55,000 bonus for each of the winners of the skills challenge and three-point contest.

"This amazing contribution brings us closer to parity with our brothers in basketball. We're so grateful for Aflac's commitment to recognizing and celebrating the hard work and talent of the Players! #BetOnWomen ," Ogwumike wrote on X.

Alfac deserves a ton of credit for its generosity here, as well as its ability to pounce on a tremendous marketing opportunity.

Either way, the fans still won't see Clark take part in the 3-Point Contest.

Related: Major Change In Caitlin Clark's WNBA MVP Ranking After Performance vs. Wings