Is Caitlin Clark draft eligible? Exploring the sharpshooter’s WNBA prospects

Few players have taken center stage and captured the attention of the nation in the way Caitlin Clark has. The Iowa superstar is one of the most prolific college basketball players in history and recently led the Hawkeyes to an NCAA championship game before falling to LSU.

The impressive March Madness performance was no surprise as Clark has been one of the best players in college basketball throughout her three-year career. The three-time All-American has averaged at least 26.6 points, 7.1 assists and 5.9 rebounds each season at Iowa.

The Naismith College Player of the Year finished this season third in the country in scoring with 27.8 ppg and led the country in assists with 8.6. The 6-foot sniper became the only player in NCAA Tournament history with back-to-back 40-point games, including a 40-point triple-double. Clark also broke the record for most points in an NCAA Tournament with 191.

What's next for Caitlin Clark?

Since she is still 21 years old and just completed her junior season, Caitlin Clark is not eligible for the WNBA until the 2024 draft. According to WNBA rules, all domestic players must be 22 years old and be set to graduate with their original class within three months of the draft. Clark technically has two years of eligibility due to the pandemic, so she could return for a fifth year as well if she desires.

Clark will surely make her way to the WNBA when the time is right. She is already one of the most accomplished athletes in history and will have a chance to add to her legacy next season.

She will not be hurting for money while still competing at the college level as Clark has capitalized on NIL deals in a major way. According to On3 NIL Valuation, she is worth $192,000, but has seen her popularity grow in a major way of late.

The Iowa standout became one of five young athletes, along with Bronny James, to agree to a deal with Nike earlier this year. She has also done paid brand deals with Bose, Buick and Hy-Vee.

The reigning AP Player of the Year will have a difficult task building off the season she had this year but cannot be counted out. The national championship loss to LSU will surely be motivating, and Clark will be looking to check this box off her list of goals next season. She is sure to have a bright future and will be a key part of a WNBA franchise eventually.