The Wall Street Journal noted that while the NCAA women’s tournament outshined the men’s, the latter was far more lucrative, raking in $873 million for the television rights compared to $6.5 million for the women’s. Much of that gap is due to the significantly lower cost outlets have paid for the broadcast rights.

Meanwhile, as “Barbie” was widely celebrated for its cultural commentary (and massively successful at the box office), Gerwig was snubbed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which didn’t even nominate her for best director. (“Barbie” was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, which shares the same parent company as CNN.)

And Clark, the WNBA’s No. 1 overall draft pick, signed a four-year contract with the Indiana Fever for just $338,000. Compare that to the NBA’s top pick Victor Wembanyama, who signed a $55 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs.

“There’s just something about this that’s so disturbing,” “Today” co-host Hoda Kotb said on the show Tuesday.

“I mean, I picture all the little girls with signs that say, ‘Caitlin!’ but this is what her contract is worth?” she added.

Society is making progress. But there is a long way to go.

Women in the entertainment industry continue to shatter stereotypes and records, led by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark.
Women in the entertainment industry continue to shatter stereotypes and records, led by celebrities like Taylor Swift and Caitlin Clark.

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