Okay, let's talk about Caitlin Clark. Rookie of the Year. Absolute phenom. And of course, her Prizm gold vinyl NFT just auctioned for more than $51,000. That's HUGE. A record for any WNBA NFT. And would you believe it – it increased in value beyond what an NFT of Jayden Daniels sold for! And now he’s the 2025 NFL Rookie of the Year favorite. Cue the confetti, right?

Well, hold on. Before we pop the champagne, let's ask ourselves a tougher question: Should we really be celebrating a $51K NFT as some kind of victory when the entire system consistently undervalues women's sports and female athletes?

One NFT Doesn't Equal Equality

Think about it. This one-of-a-kind NFT, or non-fungible token, digital trading card fetched a jaw-dropping sum. That’s well in excess of the typical annual salary for most WNBA players. Does that sound right to you? The WNBA minimum salary is a joke. We're talking about elite athletes, at the peak of their game, often making less than minor league baseball players.

Now, I’m not hating on Jayden Daniels or any male athlete’s choice to chase the bag. They work hard, too. The fact that a digital collectible of Caitlin Clark commands more than some athletes' actual lives is absurd and highlights the stark economic realities of women's sports. Men are paid more, they receive more endorsements, and they receive more media attention. The WNBA did an amazing $200 million in revenue this past season in 2023. By contrast, the NBA’s revenue skyrocketed to $10.58 billion! That's a 52.9 times difference!

So, sorry, that $51K NFT isn’t a token of progress. It’s a dark ominous foreboding cloud that blinds you to the sun and underscores the deep canyon of inequality.

NFTs: A Chance to Level the Playing Field?

Here's where things get interesting, though. Perhaps, perhaps, NFTs can show a way forward. Think of it this way: NFTs can allow athletes to connect directly with their fans, bypassing the traditional gatekeepers who often control their image and earning potential.

Imagine a world where a superstar like Caitlin Clark, or any female athlete for that matter, could easily create and monetize her own NFTs. She’d eliminate the middleman and get to keep all that extra revenue! They are able to directly monetize their talent and popularity. In doing so, this approach lets them escape the highly restrictive league imposed structures that generally cap their earning potential.

This is where the “unexpected connection” goes into play. Consider, for example, the growth of Patreon or OnlyFans. Creators are using these new platforms to directly reach their audiences and make money beyond the old media-siloed pathways. NFTs might be the sports world’s equivalent of that, providing athletes the tools to begin charting their own financial destinies.

It's not a magic bullet. We should all be on guard for the impending threat that NFTs will become the next source of exploitation. This is particularly stinging if athletes don’t have adequate resources or education about their rights and the nuances of the digital asset marketplace.

More Than Digital Cards: Invest Now

We can’t just shill and sell digital trading cards. To reap the long term benefits, we need to invest in women’s sports at every level. From funding grassroots programs that give young girls the opportunity to play, to supporting professional leagues that deserve equal pay and resources.

Caitlin Clark’s success should dazzle, and her $51K NFT should be an enduring symbol of its universal appeal. Being too fixated on that should not take away our focus from the big picture. Together, let’s fight for economic equity for women’s sports! We owe it to these athletes to finally craft a sports environment that reflects our respect for their talent and dedication. This isn’t just about sports; it’s about fairness, equality, and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. So, are you in?

  • Attend WNBA games. Show your support in person.
  • Buy merchandise. Represent your favorite players and teams.
  • Follow female athletes on social media. Amplify their voices.
  • Invest in female-owned sports businesses. Support entrepreneurs who are committed to gender equality.
  • Tell everyone you know about the amazing women's sports out there!

Caitlin Clark's success is inspiring, and her $51K NFT is a testament to her popularity. But let's not let that distract us from the bigger picture. It's time to demand economic justice for female athletes and create a sports landscape where their talent and hard work are truly valued. This isn’t just about sports; it’s about fairness, equality, and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. So, are you in?