What is the WNBA's "EPIC" extension and why is Caitlin Clark set to get one before 2027 season?
Clark's strong start to her WNBA career is set to earn her a big pay bump before her rookie contract expires.
The 2026 season for the Indiana Fever wasn't quite the breakout one that Caitlin Clark and the team envisioned. The Fever were a solid playoff team, and Clark once again made the All-Star team, but both leave the season feeling disappointed.
Clark didn't take the epic, MVP-level leap many fans expected to see. Her scoring output and efficiency went up, and she limited her turnovers much better, so there are real signs of optimism that the true breakout is coming in 2027 . Next season just so happens to be the final year of her rookie contract, too.
With that in mind, the Fever would love to be able to build around Clark before they have to give her a big contract extension after the 2027 season. But they won't have as much cap space flexibility as expected, because Clark is set to get a big pay raise this offseason .
Caitlin Clark is eligible for a big money EPIC extension in 2027
Clark has earned the right to sign an EPIC extension , a provision created by the WNBA to make it easier for outstanding young players to earn a max or supermax extension ahead of their fourth season. In order to quality for the EPIC extension, a player must earn All-WNBA or MVP honors within their first three years in the league.
Clark earned All-WNBA First Team honors as a rookie in 2024 . That will now allow her to renegotiate her salary for the 2027 season up to the standard max . The Fever would be wise to get her extended this offseason regardless.
