Caitlin Clark investing in team ownership bid despite 5-figure WNBA salary and turning down bigger offer

County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana, has gotten record crowds to witness its Caitlin Clark corn maze in honor of the WNBA Fever and former Iowa star. (Credit: FOX 32)

Caitlin Clark is investing in a bid for a National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team based in Cincinnati, the investment group for FC Cincinnati announced. 

"The NWSL Cincinnati bid team is thrilled that Caitlin Clark has joined our ownership group in pursuit of bringing women’s professional soccer to our city," a team statement said. 

"Her passion for the sport, commitment to elevating women’s sports in and around the Greater Cincinnati region and influence as an athlete and a role model for women and girls around the world make her a vital part of our compelling bid to become the 16th team in the NWSL."

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Cincinnati is one of three finalists for an expansion bid, joining Cleveland and Denver.

Clark's contribution to the bid has not been revealed publicly.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever talks to the media during an introductory press conference April 17, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.  (Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Sportico data from 2024 puts the average value of an NWSL franchise at $104 million. Angel City FC in Los Angeles is the league's most valuable franchise at $250 million, while the Chicago Red Stars are the lowest valued team at $53 million. 

If Clark's investment is anywhere close to 1% of a typical franchise's total value, it would be an investment that easily eclipses her entire annual WNBA salary. 

INSIDE CAITLIN CLARK'S IMPACT ON MEN'S BASKETBALL

Clark made $76,535 in the first year of her WNBA rookie contract. Next year she will make $78,066.