If we needed another reminder of how NIL now rules the college sports world, Kelsey Plum provided it on Friday night.
A day after Caitlin Clark broke Plum’s record for the most points in NCAA women’s college basketball history, the WNBA star had nothing but love for the new points queen – and she’s even trying to help her get paid.
While sitting courtside at the Celebrity Game during NBA All-Star weekend, Plum shared her thoughts on Clark’s record-setting performance, as well as the Iowa star’s upcoming decision about staying in school one more year or turning pro and likely being the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
MORE: Breaking down Caitlin Clark's dominant scoring stretch
Kelsey Plum urges Iowa to 'throw the kitchen sink' at Caitlin Clark
As she’s done throughout Clark’s pursuit of her record, Plum was effusive in her praise of the Iowa star.
“She’s incredible,” Plum said. “I mean, especially the exact shot that she broke [the record]. I mean, I think that pretty much sums it up, right? Just pullin’ up from basically half-court.”
"She's incredible!"
— espnW (@espnW) February 17, 2024
Kelsey Plum gave Caitlin Clark all the props after she broke the NCAA women's scoring record 👏 pic.twitter.com/P2NxDo6OwS
Plum’s praise of Clark is nothing new or unexpected, but her take on whether Clark will stay at Iowa for another year or enter the WNBA Draft might raise a few eyebrows.
"Everyone’s trying to figure out if she’s coming out or staying put, but if I’m Iowa, I’m gonna throw the kitchen sink at her, for sure.”
Clark is reportedly earning over $800,000 in NIL money this year, including deals with Nike, State Farm, Gatorade, H&R Block, Buick, Hy-Vee, and Topps. Perhaps surprisingly, that's reportedly only the fourth highest among women’s college basketball players, trailing LSU’s Angel Reese, LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, and TCU’s Haley Cavinder.
Still, that’s pretty good money for a 22-year-old college senior, and no matter what Clark decides to do next season, she figures to be making even more. We’ll just see if Iowa — and its wealthiest boosters — are willing to do what Plum suggested and pony up enough to make Clark think about staying.