Shaquille O’Neal (Image Credits: Getty Images)

The WNBA is gaining popularity among basketball fans, who are showing as much interest in it as they do in the NBA. However, there are still significant differences between the two leagues, the biggest being salary variations. Forbes reports that the average WNBA salary is about $150,000 per season, while the NBA average salary is roughly $10 million. Former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who recently criticized Team USA, has shared his thoughts on this salary gap between the leagues.

During a recent game between the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the ‘Big Diesel’ was present court-side to watch the intense competition between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Meanwhile, a reporter had the chance to ask the owner of the Big Chicken brand a few questions. During the discussion, the reporter asked O’Neal about his thoughts on the growth of the WNBA and the changes needed for women’s basketball to engage more fans.

“Well, I love it, especially for women. Listen, they’ve always played great. They’ve always played hard. I’m glad they’re getting their exposure. They definitely deserve it. Now we just gotta get them similar contracts to what some of these NBA guys are making.” Shaquille O’Neal said.

O’Neal, who is regarded as one of the greatest basketball players and centers of all time, mentioned that WNBA players consistently put in a lot of effort and perform incredibly well. The Hall of Famer opined that contracts for women’s basketball players ought to be comparable to those of certain NBA players.

Just Hope They Get Similar Pay: Shaquille O’Neal

In the same interview, O’Neal was asked about watching Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese compete while seated in the audience. Shaq, one of the most entertaining personalities in the NBA, gave both Reese and Clark high marks. He mentioned that he liked Clark’s style of play as much as he liked Reese’s.

“Look, [Reese] plays hard, I like the way she plays. I love her, I love the way Caitlin Clark is playing. The game right now is just at an all-time high for the females, and I’m happy for them. And again, I just hope they get similar pay that the guys are making,” O’Neal added.

In a dominant performance, Clark, the standout player for the Indiana Fever, scored 31 points, made 12 assists, and grabbed 4 rebounds in 32 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Reese, the forward for the Chicago Sky, scored 10 points, had 2 assists, and secured 11 rebounds. The game ended with Clark and the Fever securing a 100-81 victory over Reese and the Sky.