Recent WNBA Draft Pick Aliyah Boston, who was selected No.1 overall by Indian Fever, recognizes the exorbitant power of NIL deals for college hoop stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, which she feels could elevate the league and lead to a viable avenue of higher pay.
Not too long ago, the 21-year-old forward/center was asked about this matter in New York City by TMZ Sports. At the same time, the heavily contended “NIL deals vs. WNBA salaries” conversation started to gain traction over the release of Reese’s alleged income from several brand deals.
The prominent LSU champion’s projected earnings increased to $876K following her Final Four performance, which is more than any WNBA player’s 2023 salary, including WNBA all-time great Diana Taurasi, who is projected to make $234,936 this year.
This epiphany was met with a great deal of pushback, considering pros like Taurasi and A’ja Wilson make less than college student-athletes. However, Boston — who will play for the Indiana Fever this upcoming season — believes it could actually encourage the league to follow suit by increasing their salaries.
“Everything that’s happening is to grow the game,” the 21-year-old said. “I just think no matter how it goes, I just think it’s all just to grow the game.”
The 2022 Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year also believes it’s a personal decision whether a college athlete wants to stay in school or not. She feels like they must do “what’s best for them.”
In the midst of her sentiments, Boston advocates for the idea that Reese will still enter the WNBA Draft one day – and showed love to the NCAA champ for being a “killer” on the court.
