Angel Reese Throws TANTRUM FIT After EVERY Free Agent Ignored Her For Caitlin Clark & The Fever!
It started like any other episode of First Take, but by the end, Stephen A. Smith had dropped a bombshell so powerful it sent shockwaves across the sports world—and left some WNBA players fuming.
The conversation began innocently enough, with a discussion about Olivia Miles, a star player who shocked many by choosing to stay in college instead of declaring for the WNBA Draft. But it wasn’t just a personal decision. As Smith pointed out, it was a business move—a brilliant one.
“You can’t blame her,” Stephen A. said, raising his voice just slightly. “Olivia Miles can earn more money right now in college through NIL deals than Caitlin Clark makes on her rookie salary in the WNBA.”
That’s when things got tense.
Caitlin Clark—the face of women’s basketball—is set to earn just $76,535 in her first WNBA season. That’s not a typo. It’s a number that sparked outrage online and triggered a heated back-and-forth in the studio. Clark’s paycheck is equivalent to what an entry-level marketing associate might make in a major city. Meanwhile, players like Miles are earning six figures in college with NIL endorsements, social media partnerships, and sponsorship deals—all while staying on campus.
Stephen A. didn’t mince words.“Why would Olivia walk away from a lucrative setup where she controls her brand, has visibility, and makes money—to take a pay cut in the pros?”
At that point, a female co-host pushed back. She argued that comparing WNBA and NBA salaries was “unfair” and insisted that First Take bring in more women to explain the deeper financial inequities between the leagues.
But Stephen A. wasn’t having it.
“Let’s be real,” he said, leaning forward. “Stop comparing yourself to the NBA. That league makes exponentially more money. It’s a matter of economics, not equality.”
The studio was silent. Tension filled the air. Shannon Sharpe jumped in, supporting Stephen A.’s point with cold, hard figures.“The WNBA lost $40 million last year,” he added. “You can’t demand NBA-level pay when the league is losing money.”
This reality check shifted the entire tone of the debate.
Stephen A. explained how WNBA veterans are now refusing long-term contracts, instead opting for one-year deals in the hope that the 2026 CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) will offer better pay. It’s a gamble—a sacrifice of stability for the possibility of future financial growth.
And Olivia Miles? She’s playing it smart. By delaying her WNBA entry until 2026, she’s giving herself a chance to cash in under the new terms. In the meantime, she’s building her brand, collecting endorsement deals, and positioning herself as one of the most marketable names in college basketball.“This isn’t about ego,” Stephen A. said. “It’s about strategy.”
But the studio debate didn’t end there. Another host demanded parity, arguing WNBA players deserve more simply for their talent and effort. That’s when Stephen A. dropped his most powerful line yet:“It doesn’t matter how good the product is if it’s not making money. This is a business.”
The numbers were devastating. Rookie contracts in the WNBA hover around $78,000, and after taxes, rent, travel, and food—especially in cities like New York or Los Angeles—players are left with almost nothing. Some are forced to take offseason jobs just to get by. The harsh contrast with NBA players, who often earn millions straight out of college, is glaring.
Still, Stephen A. emphasized that this isn’t about downplaying the talent or the importance of women’s basketball.“The product is fabulous,” he said. “But the WNBA needs to grow revenue before salaries can rise. That’s just business.”
The WNBA, despite its rising popularity and packed arenas during marquee matchups, is still financially struggling. And that’s the elephant in the room—one that few are willing to confront publicly. Until now.
The debate sparked immediate backlash on social media. Some WNBA players tweeted in frustration, accusing Stephen A. of undermining their fight for better pay. Others, including fans and analysts, praised his honesty, saying it’s time for a real conversation about what needs to change.
Ultimately, First Take didn’t just start a discussion—it ignited a firestorm. Stephen A. Smith, never one to back down, reminded the world that emotion doesn’t pay salaries—economics does. And if the WNBA truly wants change, it must face the uncomfortable truths that come with building a sustainable professional league.
As for Olivia Miles? She might just be the blueprint for the next generation of smart, strategic athletes—ones who know that timing, branding, and business savvy matter just as much as points on the board.
