While some athletes celebrate their first big paycheck with a splurge — NFL star Travis Kelce dropped $10,000 on a limited-edition pair of sneakers, Shaquille O'Neal spent $150,000 on a Mercedes Benz — WNBA star Cameron Brink hasn't touched hers.
Brinks says she's saved about 90% of her total earnings from her first year in the league, adding that the WNBA isn't the principal driver of her income.
"I want to ensure that I'm setting myself up for a comfortable lifestyle down the line because I definitely don't want to be working forever."
Brink, who in college signed an endorsement deal with New Balance to become the brand's first female basketball player, had an NIL valuation topping $200,000 while at Stanford University, Sports Illustrated reports.
In a league where player salaries are still as low as they are, such sponsorships can make all the difference.
Persons:
Travis Kelce, Shaquille O'Neal, Cameron Brink, Caitlin Clark —, Brinks, she's, Brink, Taylor, Steph Curry, Armour, Chase
Organizations:
NFL, Benz, WNBA, Los Angeles Sparks, CNBC, Stanford University, Sports, Women's, Basketball Players, Vogue Business, Golden State Warriors