In an astonishing turn of events, Caitlyn Clark has topped Cristiano Ronaldo in a recent athlete power list, signaling her meteoric rise in the world of sports. Despite a staggering salary gap of $214 million, Clark has captivated audiences across the United States and is now poised to take her talents to the global stage.

As the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Clark has quickly become the face of women’s basketball and an icon in the sporting world. Following a record-breaking Rookie of the Year campaign in the WNBA, her popularity has surged over the past six months, leading to unprecedented attendance figures and viewership for women’s basketball. Additionally, lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Gatorade, State Farm, and Wilson have solidified her status as a marketing powerhouse.

One of her most significant achievements is her groundbreaking endorsement deal with Nike, worth an impressive $28 million over eight years. This deal marks the largest shoe contract ever for a women’s basketball player, further demonstrating her appeal to brands and fans alike. According to SportsPro, the 22-year-old athlete is now ranked as the fourth most marketable athlete in the world for 2024, trailing only Olympic superstar Simone Biles, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, and NBA legend LeBron James.

SportsPro explains their ranking methodology by blending extensive data analysis, advanced social media monitoring, and economic valuations, along with insights from experts and consumers. Their comprehensive approach combines qualitative and quantitative measures, applying sophisticated mathematical and statistical formulas to determine each athlete’s total marketability score. Clark’s rise in marketability is particularly remarkable considering that she is now ahead of renowned soccer stars like Lionel Messi in fifth place, Kylian Mbappé in seventh, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently in eighth.

This achievement is even more stunning when considering the significant pay disparity that exists between Clark and her contemporaries. In her first professional season, she earned only $76,500, and the four-year rookie contract she signed in April is valued at $338,000—just a fraction of Ronaldo’s reported daily earnings, which total around $213 million per year with Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.

The disparities in pay have sparked discussions about equal opportunities for female athletes. President Biden emphasized the need to ensure that daughters receive the same opportunities as sons and are compensated fairly for their contributions to the sport. Similarly, Clark’s fierce rival, Angel Reese, recently revealed that her $73,000 salary is insufficient to cover her living expenses, highlighting the financial challenges faced by WNBA players.

Fortunately for Clark and her fellow players, the WNBA Players Association has opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), allowing them a year to renegotiate player contracts, salaries, and revenue distribution. The union is expected to advocate for a 50% overall revenue split, which would include ticket sales, merchandise, and media rights, aligning them more closely with their NBA counterparts.