Iowa basketball star Caitlin Clark says she is still undecided on signing an EPIC contract extension with the Indiana Fever, and her reasoning comes down to one thing: building a championship roster in Indianapolis.
Clark, entering her third WNBA offseason with the Fever, is eligible for the new provision added to the league's collective bargaining agreement. The rule, called EPIC (Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract), lets players renegotiate the fourth year of their rookie deal and sign a three-year extension. Clark qualified as a 2024 All-WNBA First Team selection.
What Clark said about the EPIC contract
The former Hawkeyes great made clear she has not committed either way, and that her focus is on team construction rather than her own paycheck.
“I'm not saying I am going to sign it, I'm not saying I'm gonna sign it or not sign it. I think it's just kind of figuring out the way we need to construct our roster. No matter what, I'm going to be here. I just want to do what's best for the team and make sure we have the opportunity to be able to win championships. That's my main goal.”
Clark called the provision a positive step for the league's young talent, noting that Aliyah Boston already signed an EPIC deal and that Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers will be eligible in coming years.
“I think it shows respect to the young players that are really talented in our league. I just think for myself, it's more a decision of how we can best construct a roster and what's going to be best for our team to help us win championships,” Clark said.
How much money is on the table?
The numbers are significant. Under the EPIC provision, Clark could sign for a projected max of $1.3 million in 2027 and a projected supermax of $1.7 million in 2028, which would be the first year of the extended deal. The supermax would apply if she had previously won MVP; the max applies because of her All-WNBA First Team honor.
Clark was candid about the balance between her market value and team needs.
“My focus is on winning. I certainly know what I deserve and what I'm worth, but at the same time, sometimes you have to make sacrifices,” she said, adding that she has been “playing 18 holes every single day” and has not yet gotten into contract discussions with the front office and ownership.
Fever were first to use the EPIC provision
Indiana is no stranger to the new rule. The Fever were the first WNBA franchise to use it when center Aliyah Boston signed her four-year, $6.3 million EPIC contract last April.
A busy offseason ahead for Indiana
Clark's decision is only part of the picture. Fever general manager Amber Cox faces tough calls this offseason with Kelsey Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Tyasha Harris, and Myisha Hines-Allen all unrestricted free agents. Clark has been outspoken that she wants Mitchell back in Indianapolis.
How Clark, Mitchell, and the Fever approach roster construction in 2027 and beyond will shape the franchise's championship window, and Iowa fans will be watching every step.
What is an EPIC contract in the WNBA?
EPIC stands for Exceptional Performance on Initial Contract. It is a provision in the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement that allows a player to renegotiate the fourth year of her rookie contract and agree to a three-year extension. A player can earn the max in that fourth year if she was previously named to the All-WNBA first or second team, or the supermax if she previously won MVP.
Is Caitlin Clark eligible for an EPIC contract?
Yes. Clark was an All-WNBA First Team selection in 2024, which qualifies her for an EPIC contract with the Indiana Fever.
How much could Caitlin Clark earn under the EPIC deal?
She could sign for a projected max of $1.3 million in 2027 and a projected supermax of $1.7 million in 2028, which would be the first year of her extended deal.
Has Caitlin Clark decided whether to sign?
No. Clark said she has not gotten into discussions yet and wants to first figure out how the Fever can best construct a roster to win championships.