It started with a single sentence — raw, unfiltered, and impossible to ignore.

Diana Taurasi, arguably the greatest player in WNBA history, sat in front of a cluster of microphones after a charity event in Phoenix. A reporter asked her thoughts on Caitlin Clark’s rapid rise and the league’s future. Taurasi didn’t hold back.

“They better start paying her what she’s worth,” Taurasi snapped. Then, leaning forward and locking eyes with the cameras, she delivered the line now ricocheting across social media and sports talk shows nationwide:

“The f-king janitor made more than me.”

The room froze. A few reporters laughed nervously, unsure if she was joking. But Taurasi’s face was stone serious. She wasn’t just talking about Clark — she was talking about decades of frustration.

A Hall-of-Fame Career, Pocket Change Salary

Taurasi’s gripe is not new. Despite her three WNBA championships, MVP award, and Olympic gold medals, her peak annual WNBA salary barely touched $225,000 — less than some NBA players earn in a single quarter.

For perspective, the average NBA rookie makes over $1 million a year before endorsements. Many WNBA players, including Taurasi in her prime, spent offseasons overseas to supplement income, often risking injury.

“I was playing in Russia, Turkey, wherever the paycheck was,” Taurasi recalled. “Meanwhile, back home, the league acted like it was a privilege just to put on the jersey. I love the game — but love doesn’t pay the bills.”

Why Caitlin Clark Changed Everything

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the league this year has been nothing short of explosive. The rookie phenom shattered college scoring records, drew sold-out crowds, and brought unprecedented TV ratings to the WNBA.

Merchandise sales skyrocketed. Clark’s games have been broadcast in prime time, pulling in viewership numbers that rival some NBA matchups.

Yet, despite her market impact, Clark’s rookie salary is capped at just under $77,000 per season. Yes — seventy-seven thousand. In an era when the league is finally drawing serious revenue, Taurasi says this number is an insult.

“Caitlin is putting butts in seats, eyes on screens, money in the bank — and you’re telling me she’s making less than what some arena employees make in a year? That’s insanity,” Taurasi said.

The Janitor Comment: Literal or Symbolic?

When pressed, Taurasi clarified that her “janitor” remark wasn’t just a metaphor — in certain arenas, long-tenured union custodial staff can earn salaries and benefits packages that exceed what most WNBA players take home.

And while Taurasi stressed she respects every worker in sports facilities, she said the pay gap between league stars and basic operational staff exposes how undervalued women’s basketball is by its own governing bodies.

“It’s not about disrespecting anyone’s job,” she said. “It’s about the ridiculous reality that the person sweeping the court might be making more than the person dropping 30 points on it.”

Social Media Meltdown

Within hours, clips of Taurasi’s rant went viral. Hashtags like #PayCaitlin, #TaurasiTruth, and #WNBAequalpay trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

Fans were divided.

One side applauded Taurasi for saying what others wouldn’t. “She’s the GOAT. If she says Clark deserves more, she’s right,” wrote one user. Another added, “This isn’t just about Caitlin. It’s about decades of underpayment and disrespect.”

The other camp accused Taurasi of creating unnecessary drama and making unfair comparisons. “If the WNBA wants to pay more, it has to generate more revenue,” one critic wrote. “Stop blaming the league for market reality.”

The Money Problem

The WNBA’s salary cap for an entire team is just $1.46 million — less than some NBA players earn in two days. Increasing Clark’s salary significantly would require a fundamental restructuring of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

League officials, speaking anonymously, told reporters they are “aware” of the growing public demand for pay reform but insist that sustainable growth takes time.

Meanwhile, Clark’s off-court endorsements — including Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm — reportedly push her total earnings into the millions. But as Taurasi points out, endorsements are not a substitute for fair league pay.

“Corporate sponsors can love you today and forget you tomorrow,” she said. “Your league paycheck is your league’s respect. That’s the number that matters.”

Caitlin Clark Breaks Her Silence

For days, Clark avoided the controversy. But during a postgame press conference in Chicago, she finally addressed Taurasi’s comments.

“I have nothing but respect for Diana,” Clark said carefully. “She’s been through battles I can’t even imagine. If she thinks players deserve more, I’m listening. At the same time, I’m focused on winning games and helping the league grow.”

When a reporter asked if she found her rookie salary insulting given her impact, Clark paused before answering.

“I’ll just say this — I think every athlete wants to feel valued. That’s all I’ll say for now.”

The Players’ Union Gets Involved

The WNBPA quickly issued a statement backing Taurasi’s sentiment.

“Diana Taurasi’s comments reflect a reality our players have faced for far too long,” it read. “We are committed to ensuring that athletes like Caitlin Clark — and all our members — are compensated in a manner commensurate with their talent, impact, and contribution to the sport.”

Sources close to the union say a push for midseason negotiations could be in the works, though such moves are rare and risky.

A League at a Crossroads

For the WNBA, the timing of this controversy is critical. The league is riding a wave of unprecedented popularity, with record-breaking ticket sales and increased media coverage. But with more attention comes more scrutiny.

If the WNBA fails to address the pay issue, it risks alienating both players and the new fans they’ve drawn. Yet, any rapid pay increase without revenue stability could cause financial strain.

The question is whether the league will view Clark’s arrival as the perfect moment to invest in its stars — or as a windfall to be banked without rocking the boat.

Taurasi’s Parting Shot

Before leaving the podium that day, Taurasi looked directly into the cameras one last time.

“You can’t build the future of this league on players who have to get second jobs,” she said. “Pay Caitlin. Pay them all. Or stop pretending you care about the women’s game.”

With that, she walked out — leaving behind a storm that shows no sign of clearing.